In an interview with Meridas Yora, founder of an institution for Islamic education, also Director of 3 boarding schools established to house orphan children of conflict and more than 120, 000 orphan children as a result of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, speaks about the holistic approach that has made a difference in the lives of the children. He first underscore that after having many psychologists working with the children, they realized that the teachers where the ones that could provide for the children. Special training was required for the educators in the boarding schools as they needed to become the “mothers and fathers” before becoming the educators. Mr. Yora attributes the well being of the children to the holistic concepts that allow children to have a hand in their recovery and those around them. Older children looking after the young ones, has been instrumental in creating a family dynamic that is present in the educational component as well as in the interactions within the dormitories. Yora reminds us that the children experience their trauma every day, particularly the children of conflicts that witnessed the slaughter of their families, and who continue to be re-traumatized by their expectations of being reunited with their families.
Source:
World Forum Foundation Radio. Available at: http://www.viaway.com/category/2691-21490/world-forum-radio
The Center on the Developing Child: Harvard University (2006) offers a position similar to the holistic goals of Yora’s Institutions. Understanding the current status of disparities offers an opportunity to look towards other more innovative opportunities by reviewing what science has to say. To that end, the Center on the Developing Child, engages in a mission “to drive science-based innovation that achieves breakthrough outcomes for children facing adversity” (p. 2). In moving forward there are some considerations to working from a different direction. Science provides a fresh look into opportunities that may not have been possible, and available now through scientific advances. Science allows for new thinking. Innovation is the mode for change. Rather than relying on restructuring existing practice, innovation provides an avenue for tackling the slow moving change of policy and service delivery. Innovation provides the opportunity for risk, creative thinking, sharing, and adaptation. A distribution of leadership is the third application that centers on the common goal of doing better for children. This approach allows for the opportunity for the multidisciplinary field to take action and be responsive to our communities. In their global effort, the Center on the Developing child takes its stand asserting that “Our Center is well-positioned and prepared to convene and lead this collective effort” (p. 3).
Source:
Center for the Developing Child: Harvard University (2006). A Strategy to Achieve Breakthrough Outcomes for Children Facing Adversity. https://46y5eh11fhgw3ve3ytpwxt9r-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Center-on-the-Developing-Child-Case-Statement-Executive-Summary.pdf
