Trauma pedagogical emergency aid in crises and disaster preparedness
The emergency pedagogy of the Friends has been helping traumatized children and young people to process their experiences since 2006. The missions around the world are supplemented by national and international seminars. They are an important part of disaster preparedness and at the same time build up the network of global crisis intervention teams.
Emergency and trauma pedagogy
The Friends of Waldorf Education have been carrying out emergency educational missions since 2006.
We are committed to helping children and young people who have been affected by traumatising experiences. These can be natural disasters or armed conflicts, but also long-term problematic living conditions caused, for example, by high crime rates or drug abuse in the neighbourhood.
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Ethiopia: Emergency education for pupils
Even after the official end of the war in the Tigray region, the situation in northern Ethiopia remains precarious and there is also a risk of massive famine. In April 2024, an emergency education team from the Friends of Waldorf Education was able to work with pupils and teachers in the region for the first time as part of a kick-off seminar. We are currently still at the very beginning of an important work process. The basics from the kick-off seminar will be deepened in further assignments. We also support the Waldorf School in Hawzien in offering creative and practical activities for the children during the holidays.
Turkey: Reliable emergency educational work after the earthquake
The earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023 continues to leave deep wounds and a great need for humanitarian aid among the local population. Well over a year later, at least 760,000 people are still living in informal tent sites, which is very stressful for the local people, especially in the very hot summer months and the cold winter months. Last year, we were able to set up a Child Friendly Space, which is run by two local kindergarten teachers. We also regularly offer introductory seminars for local teachers so that they can continue the work on site in the long term.
Our emergency and trauma education work in Ukraine
The Friends of Waldorf Education have been increasingly active in Ukraine since 2022. After some emergency pedagogical missions took place in 2022, the focus since 2023 has been on anchoring the core expertise of emergency and trauma pedagogy locally. This is an important low-threshold approach within the mental health and psychosocial support services in Ukraine. The traumas of war will last for years and possibly generations. This can only be partially addressed and absorbed by training and empowering local staff on the ground.
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Latest news
from emergency pedagogy
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Learn moreGaza: Every Morning, a Door Opens – Emergency Pedagogy in Deir al-Balah
As part of the “Healing & Learning” project, the cultural and arts association “NAWA Centre” in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, provides emergency pedagogical activities for psychosocial support as well as educational and physical activities for children. Since February, more than 500 children have already taken part in the activities. For many of them, the “NAWA Centre” is the only place where they can…
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