Collaboration Heals Trauma

(CAMBODIA) The Khmer Rouge regime oversaw the murder of millions of Cambodians. Stories of loss and survival are common. Many who survived the Pol Pot regime live with memories of watching loved ones arrested, killed, or starved to death. In response to the mental health issues experienced in all 85 of the communities in which World Renew Cambodia is working, we are collaborating with Cambodian psychologists from the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) to offer training in ways to help people who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses.

The Khmer Rouge regime oversaw the murder of millions of Cambodians. Stories of loss and survival are common. Many who survived the Pol Pot regime live with memories of watching loved ones arrested, killed, or starved to death.

In response to the mental health issues experienced in all 85 of the communities in which World Renew Cambodia is working, we are collaborating with Cambodian psychologists from the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) to offer training in ways to help people who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses.

“I thought that this kind of trauma was a natural part of life,” says Sao Thuen (54), who lost both her parents and saw many more starve during the Khmer Rouge era.

By offering trauma-healing workshops, World Renew is helping Cambodians learn to confront PTSD.

The initial workshops have been very successful, and many people shared their personal trauma for the first time. Most spoke about experiences of losing their families and homes. By addressing the trauma of this time period, Cambodians are learning to accept these actions as part of their past and confront their emotions.

“I thought that this kind of trauma was a natural part of life”

“It was a very informative workshop. I did not know that so many people in Cambodia live with PTSD. I think it’s very good that we can help people who are struggling with traumatic memories,” says Joh Lily (32), chair of the development committee in her village.

“Many of those who have PTSD never speak out,” Joh explains. “They isolate themselves, and hold it all inside.” Since participating in her first workshop, Joh Lily has become a leader for trauma-healing workshops in her community.

World Renew empowers community leaders like Joh to recognize the symptoms of PTSD. They receive training to better serve their villages and those who struggle with PTSD and other mental health issues.

Sao Soth (61), the leader of the development committee in his village, is also familiar with the painful symptoms of PTSD. “In my village there are several people who have mental health problems,” Sao says. “In trying to cope, some families turn to domestic abuse and alcoholism.”

The Cambodian Ministry of Health estimates that 60% of those who survived the Khmer Rouge have mental health problems. Recent studies find that PTSD symptoms can also be passed from one generation to the next. This poses a major challenge in a country that has a shortage of psychologists and space to process trauma. However, with further training to bring awareness of PTSD symptoms, and by creating local support groups, World Renew can continue to help communities heal and build trust.

When asked if she could manage to forgive what happened to her during the war, Sao Thuen said, “Yes, I can forgive. But I want justice for victims of the Khmer Rouge: it will set a good example for the next generation of leaders in Cambodia.”

Prayer Items

Praise that the Cambodian parliament is now that the new government recognizes the need for reform in critical areas such as corruption and education.
Prayers that the new organizational structure for government that has now been put in place will provide more accountability, improve decision making, and that the transition will be smooth.
Praise that the trauma-healing training was well-received by participants and promises to bring meaningful improvements to the lives of our beneficiaries.
Praise for rain in most of our target areas which has enabled our beneficiaries to plant their rice crops.
Prayers for guidance as staff take on a very heavy workload in the next quarter, including…
– a joint evaluation of World Renew and World Missions programs in Cambodia.
– a strategic planning process that culminates in a workshop in November.
– implementation of a Multi-stakeholder Partnership Workshop to Improve Governance which will involve 125
participants from five communities in one district.
– a review of 18 applications for new partnership and selection of up to three organizations to begin to work with
World Renew Cambodia as research and development partners.