Many Children who have experienced trauma can’t focus well, as they have been rewired to simply survive.

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Testimonials

"Thank you, Beryl. You were more than a teacher and a friend for us."
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Ragheb & Rita, Volunteer Coordinators, Amman, Jordan
"This was the most practical workshop I have attended."
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Tom, Family Childcare Home provider, Dover, DE
“Beryl Cheal is one of my heroes. She has comforted more children in crises than any of us can count. She trains parents, caregivers and teachers internationally to prepare for, respond to and help themselves and children recover from disasters. She is a crusader for care. ………..I admire Beryl’s work so much!”
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Mary W., business owner

FAQ

  • Body language can go a long way! Ask questions with your eyes. With a smile on your face show them how to do what you are wanting them to do. Ask another child to be their special friend, their “buddy” to show them where things are in the room, where the toilet is, when it is time to go outside, what their name is, etc. Before the child starts coming to your room find someone in your community who knows the refugee child’s language and ask them to help you. When you speak to the child talk quietly, slowly, enunciate clearly – all without exaggerating. Greet them with a smile on your face and a few words of welcome (in their language, if possible) every morning when the child arrives at school/childcare. And then say goodbye every day when school is over – again in their language, if possible. The key is to help the child know they are welcome in your classroom and that you look forward to seeing them tomorrow – or whenever the group meets again. The more comfortable they feel the faster they will learn the language spoken in your program.
  • It is better to keep your classroom the way it is. You may be bored but the refugee child might have had a lot of confusion and chaos in their past and need predictability. They need to count on you to be at the same place every morning when they arrive, welcoming them. They need to know what to expect when they first arrive, where that activity takes place. They will feel more comfortable if when they walk into the room things look like they did when they left yesterday. Knowing what to expect is comforting and gives opportunities to start the day with a relaxed and safe feeling.
  • Your school/childcare/homeschool/whatever will probably be different than the situations they left behind when they fled their homes. Parents may or may not have taken part in their child’s education experience. So, take it easy. It takes time to get used to another system – even when the trust level is high. And that itself may take some time. Remember you are new to parents. They don’t know you, nor necessarily trust you. You will have to gain their trust. Remember that trust must be demonstrated to be believed. Just using the words “trust me” is not useful. You’re going to have to gain their trust. Start with getting to know the parents names (spoken correctly) and they knowing your name – all spoken with friendliness, then move on to inviting them to visit the school (childcare/whatever) whenever they would like. Before long have a time for moms to get together informally – a tea or coffee time – where they can get together with other moms. Plan something on a regular basis and make sure they are specially invited. Written in their language, if possible – if not possible write it in English, using a fairly