The toll on the mental health of rural families and children is immeasurable.
As parents struggle and stress to afford basic needs and put food on the table they often take out their frustrations on their children. Knowing this, the Foundation of Goodness has stepped up its community psychosocial support.
Leading the charge is the main unit, located at the Centre of Excellence in Seenigama. This dedicated team has not only increased their awareness sessions for different groups of students at our Centre, but also extending their counselling session to rural schools in the area, mainly engaging parents. This aims to ensure that parents are able to control their emotions and better care for their children as well.
Additionally, awareness sessions on drug abuse, sexual relationships and how to deal with the prevailing crisis also ensures that the children and youth that attend courses at the Centre are more attuned to their emotions.
The 14 Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres also conduct ‘Happiness Activities’ for their beneficiaries, which include inner reflection and discussions with friends.