Psychological Counseling for 20 Nepali Children

Many Nepali children we support have endured harsh trauma from their experiences with child slavery, domestic violence, and hunger.

That is why we created the Ankur Counseling Center in 2006 help to help these children heal their psychological scars and learn to live happy lives.

Last year, Nepal Youth Foundation counselors treated 1,617 children from our various programs. In addition, we are expanding the use of group counseling sessions to help children develop their social and behavioral skills. NYF counselors conducted 76 such sessions during the fiscal year ending June 2013.

Center counselors also trained 45 former Kamlari (indentured servants) as “peer counselors” to help other former slaves rebuild their lives. They have conducted numerous workshops, group therapy sessions as well as individual counseling.

Santoshi, a 16-year-old former Kamlari, turned to the center for help battling severe depression. Her family was pressuring her to marry but she had bigger plans for her life. With the help of peer counselors, she was able to make her wishes clear to her family and the depression has lifted. Santoshi is enrolled in a vocational education program plans to build a career. (Santoshi let us share her story and photo.)

Part of the center’s mission is to expand mental health care in Nepal and to dispel stigmas surrounding mental health. To that end, Ankur’s manager, Chhori LaLaxmi Maharjan studied in the United States last year and shared new “best practices” with NYF staff as well as students and teachers in the psychology department of Tribhuwan University. In addition, center counselors offered workshops and trainings to 360 child-care and mental health professionals covering topics ranging from Advanced Sand Play to trauma counseling.

Thank you for your support of Santoshi and thousands of others like her. Namaste.

Links:

• Nepal Youth Foundation