14.12.2022   14:58

In the framework of the WPU Erayim project ‘The Introduction of a Combination of Modern and Traditional Approaches to Prevent the Conflict in the South of Kyrgyzstan’, supported by the German organization Bread for the World, a three-day training took place on "Working with children from disadvantaged families. Social and psychological methods".

The training was led by Chynara Termechikova, an experienced psychologist in the country and head of the Public Foundation “Danaker Family Strengthening Centre”. The training was attended by school social pedagogues, responsible specialists of the district education department, juvenile inspectors of the district department of internal affairs and social workers from the rural districts of Kenesh, Beshik-Jon and Sedikum of Bazar-Korgon district.

The training consisted of three sections:

1. "Managing emotions or emotions-our helpers", where rules and recommendations on emotional situations between children and parents were discussed.
2. "Stress management, saving resources". Here participants received information about stress, where it comes from, ways and means to get out of it. 
3. Living at peace with oneself and others" covered the concept of trauma, childhood trauma, where it comes from, parenting techniques, theoretical attitudes, acceptance and faith. Each session included discussion and practice.

Participants noted that psychological training is very necessary at a time when there are many ups and downs, people cannot understand each other, and social needs reach their limits. In fact, every participant noted that they did not know what trauma was, or if they did, they did not care about it. They also said that they knew that they had to nurture the child from the womb and not after birth. Given our educational mentality, we bring up children with strict prohibitions from a very early age. For example, we forbid anything and everything: "You must not do this, you must not do that." It is these inhibitions that cause stress to the child. The child cannot speak clearly, and there are times when parents do not listen. In this training we learned how to get out of such a situation. "We really need such trainings," said Raikan Dykanova, training participant and social worker in Beshik-Jon rural district.

- We have learned how to relate to children's characteristics even before they are born. As mothers, we learned how to treat the child and family members. Chynara Termechikova taught us a lot in this respect. We learned the stages of raising a child. The more properly we treat our children, the more responsibility they will have. We didn't waste every day, we were given tasks," says Nazira Choenoeva, social pedagogue at Secondary School No. 42 in Beshik-Jon.

- "Can you remember your happy day?" - on the topic, each of us told what we remembered. Then I went home and asked this question to my children. For example, my son went out and won a coin. It was the happiest moment of his life, so we should ask our children how their day was, what they were thinking about, and what their goals were. By participating in this training, I notice a change in myself first of all. Before, if I was tired at work and the house was a mess, I would scold my children. This has a negative effect on the child's mind. Then my husband noticed a change in me and approved of my frequent participation in such training sessions," says Mahbuba Abdurakhmanova, a training participant and social pedagogue at Birinchi May School in Kenesh Rural District.

- We have to learn every day. We do not know much. In adolescence, there are passive and active phenomena. How we educate a child is how we get a response. We have received excellent information about children at risk, the influence of their environment, psychological fields, stress and distress. A newborn baby can also be stressed. We also learnt about practical, ethical, critical thinking. We also learned about thinking, memory, child thinking, dreaming and goal-setting skills," said Tamara Yusupova, social specialist of Kenesh Rural District. She also expressed her gratitude for the cooperation with Erayim, adding that she was able to get a lot of useful information at this training.

- We have to go to school and listen to the voices of children. Not just a social activist, the Women's Council does not limit itself to holding events at festivals, but also participates in public events and cooperates with other organisations. You have to go to schools, talk to pupils and listen to their thoughts. And when working with children, you need to involve those on the side and educate them. She added that those on the street and women who stay at home need to be involved. Other participants also shared their thoughts and said that such trainings are very much needed. And according to trainer Chynara Termechikova, participants received important information on the topic of psychology during the three-day training. They also noticed a change. The second training will take place next March. Those who actively participated and gained useful knowledge will receive a certificate. Those who have this document will also be eligible for on-site training at their workplaces.

Baktykan Azhymamatova, Jalal-Abad oblast