Overcoming Fragmentation

Barbara Weyermann from OPSI has just published the article "Overcoming Fragmentation: Links between Income Generation and Psychosocial Counseling in Gaza". Summary: armed conflict and violence affect women psychologically, socially and almost always economically. Support programs, however, often address these dimensions separately: women attend skills trainings to improve their economic situation and counseling sessions to deal with their traumas. Consequently, women are often unable to convert their skills into income or to improve their psychosocial situation. This paper presents the findings of a guided self-evaluation by a Palestinian non-governmental organization (NGO) in 2004, which both highlighted the insufficiencies of this fragmented approach and developed solutions to better serve the organization’s program participants. To download visit OPSI.

Toolkit: Gender, Conflict Transformation & the Psychosocial Approach

In May 2006 David Becker and Barbara Weyermann from the Office of Psychosocial Issues or OPSI, a group I helped co-found and am a consultant to, completed the Toolkit: Gender, Conflict Transformation & the Psychosocial Approach. This was a major project undertaken for the Swiss Development Corporation. In developing the toolkit it was acknowledged that the literature on the issue of trauma is extensive, but at the same time is confusing and contradictory, and that a brief introduction into the subject matter of psychosocial work in the context of international cooperation does not yet exist. This toolkit aims to bridge that gap. It explains to both the staff of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at the central office and the co-ordination offices and to the partner organisations how relevant the psychosocial way of thinking is for work in conflict and post-conflict areas. It also shows how regular development and relief activities can be adjusted in order to support the emotional and social recovery of the population. The toolkit does not, however, intend to replace psychological textbooks or manuals on gender and conflict transformation, or different areas and sectors of intervention, from HIV/AIDS to water and sanitation, but aims to convey a way of thinking and make suggestions as to how it can be put into practice. To read more about the toolkit and download it either in German or English, click here.

Toolkit: The Psychosocial Approach

In May 2006 OPSI completed the Toolkit: Gender, Conflict Transformation & the Psychosocial Approach. This was a major project undertaken for the Swiss Development Corporation. In developing the toolkit it was acknowledged that the literature on the issue of trauma is extensive, but at the same time is confusing and contradictory, and that a brief introduction into the subject matter of psychosocial work in the context of international cooperation does not yet exist. This toolkit aims to bridge that gap. It explains to both the staff of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at the central office and the co-ordination offices and to the partner organisations how relevant the psychosocial way of thinking is for work in conflict and post-conflict areas. It also shows how regular development and relief activities can be adjusted in order to support the emotional and social recovery of the population. The toolkit does not, however, intend to replace psychological textbooks or manuals on gender and conflict transformation, or different areas and sectors of intervention, from HIV/AIDS to water and sanitation, but aims to convey a way of thinking and make suggestions as to how it can be put into practice. To read more about the toolkit and download it either in German or English, click here.

Professional Development Course: Reconstruction after Conflict and War

In February 2005 the Office of Psychosocial Issues, an international organisation and group of consultants based at the Free University in Berlin, will be offering a Professional Development Course on Reconstruction after Conflict and War. The course aims to utilise the skills of two international facilitators working in the area of psychosocial support, community development and trauma management. The course is targeted at community workers and staff working directly with and supporting victims/survivors of political conflict. The 6–day course, for a maximum of 20 participants, will be held in two parts, the first in Northern Ireland and the second part in at a time and place to be confirmed. The course is awaiting accreditation from the Open College Network. Full funding is available for Northern Ireland-based participants and the event will be residential based. For more information download course information by clicking here.

Professional Development Course

In February 2005 the Office of Psychosocial Issues, an international organisation and group of consultants based at the Free University in Berlin, will be offering a Professional Development Course on Reconstruction after Conflict and War. The course aims to utilise the skills of two international facilitators working in the area of psychosocial support, community development and trauma management. The course is targeted at community workers and staff working directly with and supporting victims/survivors of political conflict. The 6–day course, for a maximum of 20 participants, will be held in two parts, the first in Northern Ireland and the second part in at a time and place to be confirmed. The course is awaiting accreditation from the Open College Network. Full funding is available for Northern Ireland-based participants and the event will be residential based. For more information download course information by clicking here.

Peacebuilding and Post-conflict Situations

David Becker and Brandon Hamber will run a workshop for OPSI entitled "Peacebuilding and Post-conflict Situations". The workshop is for the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC or DEZA). It takes place in Maputo, Mozambique on 31 March to 4 April 2002.