By Ruth Oketunde
Abuja – The NEEM Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) on Friday, stressed the need for government, NGOs and individuals to discuss and help victims of violence
who display symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.
Mr Ahmad Jumare, the Communication and Advocacy Manager of the foundation, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said young girls affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East required basic psycho-trauma healing as a result of what they experienced during the violence, hence, the foundation
through its programme called “Counselling On Wheels” would be organising a course for girls in affected communities.
He added that members of the foundation would move from one affected community to another to support the girls for six weeks, beginning on Nov. 12.
He explained that “psycho-trauma occurs as a result of tragic event, which may involve witnessing someone’s death or personally experiencing serious physical injury, assault, rape and other sexual abuse.
“This course, in collaboration with Yobe Government, is to discuss and help victims who display symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety and so on, following what they experienced during the insurgency.
“At the end of the course, our psychologists and counsellors would have a one-on-one assessment of the girls and give out certificates to those who would have performed exceptionally well.
“The psychologists and counsellors would be assessed on how well they had been able to overcome symptoms of stress, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, depression and especially abuse of drugs.
“It is our expectation that at the end of the course, the girls will become productive to the society.”
The manager, however, urged parents to make their young girls available during the period of the course.
He also urged other NGOs in the country to focus on providing psychological support, aside from material aids for victims of insurgency in the region.
NEEM Foundation is one of the non-profit organisations committed to improving the lives of those affected by the insurgency in the North East.