A THERAPY PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA
After the controversial elections that took place in Kenya, there were problems that required intervention, from within the country as well as through the international community. Several people lost their homes, causing them to become internally displaced; others lost their businesses, farms and loved ones. People experienced harsh realities brought about by tribal clashes that were spread out over most of the country (Linke, 2013). The violence occurred over a period of nearly three months on counting, during this time people, developed bitterness and hatred and others experience post-traumatic stress among other psychological implications (Perkonigg, Kessler, Storz, & Wittchen, 2000).
The project is a necessity since a society is meant to be holist in its development. Rebuilding this country not only requires resettling of the internally displaced people, or the Red Cross services catering for those that were hurt. The beauty of any country is the culture and the people. The land remains intact. However, the cultural aspect has led to a drift and less unity among citizens of the country. There is mistrust among people; there is a lot of hatred and bitterness that is being harbored in the hearts of all the people who experienced the terror of the post-election violence (Ferguson, 1992). In order for people to move on there should be more than just reconciliatory talks to make amends between government parties and supporters (Bloomfield, Barnes, & Huyse, 2003). Change must come from individuals who have managed to heal and forget.
The participants of this project include the victims that suffered during this period of violence and mass atrocities. Mental health practitioners and health practitioners that have dedicated their time to improve the quality of life in such situations are also expected to take an active role (Vantilborgh et al., 2011). Religious leaders as well as community elders and representatives would also make a difference while taking part in this healing process (Smith, 2006).
For those that require medical care, there are doctors and nurses prepared and equipped with the appropriate equipment to cater for the, medical needs at hand including health checkups and treatment equipment e.g. for those who might require physiotherapy after having been injured. School psychologists, and school guidance and counselors are required to help in assessing those that might be in need of psychological intervention. The church and other religious leaders as well are require to lend a hand because they are in greater positions of knowledge regarding their congregants and the possible harm that might have befell them. The commencement of the project and centers of help will be aired on local radio stations and television stations.
The therapeutic process will entail counseling and therapy sessions for the victims where they will get the platform to talk about the issue they have faced in support groups as well as in individual sessions. This will allow the victims to get closure and come to terms with the occurrence of the violence. Leaders will as well be given opportunities to talk to the victims to encourage them as well as offer support where appropriate. There will also be free medical checkups and treatment services offered to the victims of this violence.
The project is expected to help the people of Kenya heal as a country and integrate them once more. The essence of the project is to help the cultural aspect of the country thrive on a positive view without the bitterness and hatred that if not dealt with could lead to future occurrences. When the people work together, the economy is improved and the standards of living become better. Dealing with the psychological issues will help reduce the risk of stress related illnesses and help promote a holistic development for this group of people.
References
Bloomfield, D., Barnes, T., & Huyse, L. (2003). Reconciliation after Violent Conflict. A Handbook. Differences. Retrieved from http://www.idea.int/publications/reconciliation/upload/reconciliation_full.pdf
Ferguson, R. B. (1992). Tribal Warfare. Scientific American, 266(1), 108–?? (Intl. ed. 90–??). http://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0192-108
Linke, A. M. (2013). Post-Election Violence in Kenya: Place-Based Explanations of Conflict. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.net.ucf.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1435675617?accountid=10003\nhttp://sfx.fcla.edu/ucf?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&genre=dissertations+&+theses&sid=ProQ:ProQuest+Dissertations+&+Theses+A&I&atitle=&title=Post-Election+Violence+in+Kenya:+Place-Based+Explanations+of+Conflict&issn=&date=2013-01-01&volume=&issue=&spage=&au=Linke,+Andrew+M.&isbn=9781303333323&jtitle=&btitle=&rft_id=info:eric/
Perkonigg, A., Kessler, R. C., Storz, S., & Wittchen, H. U. (2000). Traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder in the community: prevalence, risk factors and comorbidity. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 101(1), 46–59. http://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.101001046.x
Smith, M. L. (2006). Leaders Through Coaching. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 5(1), 8–24. http://doi.org/10.5465/AMLE.2006.20388381
Vantilborgh, T., Bidee, J., Pepermans, R., Willems, J., Huybrechts, G., & Jegers, M. (2011). Volunteers’ psychological contracts: Extending traditional views. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 41(6), 1072–1091. http://doi.org/10.1177/0899764011427598
