The International Day of Peace is a good moment to consider the words of the French philosopher Blaise Pascal. Four hundred years ago, he wrote:
All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.
Every day at Network for Africa, we confront the consequences of peoples’ inability to refrain from choosing violence as a response to their problems. Children who have been orphaned, widows who witnessed their loved ones being killed, women and girls who have been raped, families who fled their home to escape conflict – they may bravely think of themselves as survivors, but the psychological wounds go deep. There is a physical equivalent: you might walk away from a car crash in your Twenties with only a sore shoulder or neck, but it will surely come back to haunt you in your Sixties.
Working with our African partners, Network for Africa offers a holistic approach to the hidden mental pain endured by survivors of conflict. We don’t pretend there is a quick fix, or that a few counselling sessions will provide a cure. Instead, we see the beginning of a journey, when people come to understand what post-traumatic stress is, and then find comfort in regular group and individual counselling sessions. Once survivors can find relief by using simple breathing and relaxation techniques, they learn to visualize a safe space where they can retreat when harmful memories emerge.
The next step become apparent when people think about what lies ahead, and not what is behind them. Our partners support groups working together on business and agricultural projects, and mutual savings schemes. They create friendships that replace the family they have lost to violence, and they take control of their future. All this is made possible by the kindness of our supports.
In praise of running around …
We are especially grateful to Beatriz and Kevin who ran the Big Half Marathon earlier this month to benefit Network for Africa. Please visit their fundraising pages to support their heroic efforts. Thank you very much.
https://2024thebighalf.
https://2024thebighalf.