2009 HIGHLIGHTS: Part II

Further achievements of the Trauma Centre in 2009 included a torture awareness raising programme during the 16 days of Activism and capacity building of individuals and organisations.Miliswa Sobukwe-Whyte, Carmen Low-Shang & Fiona from the Political Violence Program

The Children and Violence programme commemorated 16 days of activism by hosting dramas at 5 primary schools in the Western Cape. The objective of the dramas was to advocate against violence towards women and children as well as to educate children, teachers and parents about their rights and how to access help.

COMMEMORATION STATION
On the 26th of June the Trauma Centre commemorated the UN International day in support of torture survivors at the Nelson Mandela Gateway. Having a candle vigil and a screening of the documentary “My Brothers Keeper” assisted in raising awareness and allowed the Trauma Centre to publicly advocate for those who survived gross human rights violations, more specifically torture. The venue for this day could not have been more ideal as being at the Nelson Mandela Gateway allowed many a chance to reflect on and acknowledge those who fought for the liberation of our country from the Apartheid system. Walking over the bridge towards the gateway filled the Trauma Centre staff with so much joy, appreciation and pride with regard to how far our country has come.

CAPACITY BUILDING OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS

On a very positive note, the Trauma Centre team has expanded, three new staff members have been appointed, a warm welcome to Mrs Nomvuyo Mabusela – co-ordinator of the Political Violence programme, Mrs Asma Achmat-coordinator the Children and Violence Programme and Miss Melvina Carelse – counselling psychologist in the Children and Violence Programme.

From September through to December all Trauma Centre staff participated in the Victim Empowerment Programme by training Victim Support Room volunteers who work in the Police Stations of the Western Cape. The training was informative not only for the volunteers who attended but also for the staff who facilitated. Topics covered were: knowing the victim, policy and procedure, ethics, the role of the volunteer, trauma, volunteer and victim rights as well as self care. Feedback was positive and the volunteers reported feeling more confident in returning to the victim support room and implementing everything they learnt.

“Years end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us” Hal Borland

In the light of these wise words may the Trauma Centre with all its wisdom, experience and commitment towards prevention, continue to accomplish many more glorious triumphs.