"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed."
Psalm 82:3
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"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed." Psalm 82:3 |
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Uncertainties, fear and loss associated with the current war in Burma are emotionally traumatising, especially for the children who have been prematurely robbed of their childhood and innocence. Many of these children are left to fend for themselves - separated from their parents (living or dead), wandering the jungle, hiding from the military, mending their own wounds, and almost losing faith and hope. Therefore, the Good Life Club (GLC), a program devoted to child welfare and care for displaced children who have been marginalised by war, specifically focuses on the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of IDP children, who are often otherwise forgotten in the struggle.
With inspiration and guidance from John 10:10 - A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of (MSG) - the Good Life Club found not only its name, but also its purpose. GLC works to actualise, for the children, the "good life" that God offers.
Partners, working closely with the Free Burma Rangers, trains relief team counsellors who distribute supplies, counsel children traumatised by war, help establish sustainable care for children who have been orphaned or otherwise separated from their families because of military offensives, and record IDP conditions and human rights violations.
The counsellors' mission is centred on the significance of several symbols of safety, security and solidarity. T-shirts displaying the child-friendly GLC logo, a large smiley face, are distributed to children to help fulfil not only a physical need for clothing, but also a psychological need for comfort and unity. Special GLC patches are worn by trained counsellors and other adults who have been identified as child-friendly, to help children recognise which adults they can trust and feel safe with. Finally, the wordless book and bracelets are used by GLC counsellors to teach a simplified version of the Gospel and reaffirm the children's faith in the love of God and hope for the future.
GLC counsellors are equipped to conduct several different fun and informative activities, such as games, puppet shows or movies, so that they can adjust their program to best serve the needs of the children they encounter. Also, along with GLC t-shirts, relief teams distribute Kid and Mum & Baby Packs that include basic hygiene necessities and other comforting items.
Once the children are attended to, and receive the counselling and encouragement they need, GLC counsellors turn to mothers and other village members. GLC counsellors' responsibilities are to serve the children, focus on the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of the people, and encourage other relief team members to do the same.
It is our goal to help all IDP children recognise and benefit from the "Good Life" that God provides.
The information and views expressed on external sites are not necessarily those of Partners.
A Campaign of Brutality,
the new report by FBR (3.1 MB)
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