KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Pamella’s Sunrise Foundation, in collaboration with the guidance counseling unit of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and the Jamaica Poets Nomadic College and School Tour is set to present psychotherapeutic and trauma-informed interventions to educators on Monday, November 10.

Pamella’s Sunrise, a not-for-profit international christian healing ministry, born out of an ever-increasing need for emotional and mental healing from gun crimes, and profoundly concerned for the mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of children, has decided to postpone its ‘Make the Children Laugh’ event which was scheduled for December.

Make the Children Laugh, which is designed to steer children away from emotional pain, was to be held in December to mark the foundation’s one year anniversary.

But, with the impact of Hurricane Melissa, a decision was made to pivot efforts to hurricane recovery and restoration while maintaining the mission of bringing hope, healing, mentoring and spiritual care to those in need.

According to Dr Marjorie McWilliams, director of counseling services at Pamella’s Sunrise, based in California, USA, participants in the session, to be held on the Zoom platform, will receive guidance and support focused on mental health awareness and coping strategies.

“We will examine what constitutes a normal or natural reaction to the trauma associated with a devastating event, such as a hurricane,” McWilliams explained.

She pointed out that the programme, Restoring Hope with Pamella’s Sunrise, addresses the psychological needs of the educators who will be expected to meet the same needs for their students and efforts like this aim to bridge the gap through education, early intervention and practical support, ensuring that those affected by trauma receive the help they need.

“The foundation acknowledges that without timely intervention and healing, this trauma could have lasting effects,” said McWilliams.

She added that a missions team will be organised by the foundation to travel to Jamaica with much needed relief supplies.

“As part of an ongoing initiative however, once connectivity is restored, the foundation plans to provide online trauma relief support for counselors, peer leaders, community leaders and families,” said McWilliams.