A Report on the Children of the Earthquake

When the piece “From Mostafa Pit-Steel to the Children of the Earthquake” was published, given the importance of the issue and the likelihood of losing the golden window for treatment, I hoped that the responsible agencies would undertake a serious effort to identify and treat children suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in the earthquake-stricken areas of Sarpol-e Zahab. Even the then-Minister of Welfare wrote to me on Telegram saying he had read the piece, thanked me for raising the issue, and said he would certainly follow up. But months passed, and despite our follow-ups, there was no news and no acceptable movement was observed in the responsible agencies. I knew that one should not pin one’s hopes on officials. Those poor souls are, on the one hand, under the pressure of missions and constraints imposed by higher authorities, and under pressure to answer to the demands and expectations of members of parliament; on the other hand, they face severe budget shortages and a sluggish administrative apparatus with unmotivated employees. After a while, we realized that no hope could be placed in the government crowd.

Finally, we said ‘Ya Ali’ and got to work ourselves. Several trainers from the Family Development-Oriented Empowerment Institute (Tootem-e Khanevadeh) in Isfahan declared their readiness, three philanthropists from Isfahan also offered support, and the nucleus for forming the “Post-Disaster Child Support Association” (in the process of establishment) was laid. This association quickly set to work so that, with the cooperation of psychologists residing in the region, a grassroots movement could begin for the complete screening of all children under 12 in the urban and rural areas of earthquake-stricken Sarpol-e Zahab. A call was issued in Shahrivar, and 20 psychology graduates in those same earthquake-affected areas were identified and received the necessary training to begin the screening work. The matter was brought to the attention of the esteemed Governor of Kermanshah, and with his approval and support, as well as the cooperation of the Kermanshah Province Department of Education and the Department of Welfare, the screening of children began on the 16th of Mehr.

To date, approximately 10,350 urban and rural children under 13 have undergone clinical examination and screening, among whom 435 children suffering from PTSD and “grief” disorder have been identified. Of course, there are still several thousand children under seven who could not be identified through schools, and the process of identifying and screening them is ongoing and somewhat time-consuming. Considering the volume of work done, it seems that with the completion of screening for the remaining children under seven, a total of about 600 children suffering from PTSD and “grief” will be identified.

Given that the treatment of children with PTSD is very time-consuming and almost every single affected child needs to be under the treatment, care, and follow-up of trainers and social workers for nearly a year, it is estimated that at least 600 million Tomans are needed (at least one million Tomans per child) to provide direct treatment to all these children over the coming year.

Now, philanthropists interested in saving earthquake-affected children suffering from PTSD can participate in this project. Dear ones who are unfamiliar with the importance and damages of PTSD can briefly acquaint themselves with it by reading the note “From Mostafa Pit-Steel to the Children of the Earthquake.” If you wish to participate in this great endeavor—namely, saving about 600 children psychologically damaged in the earthquake—you can deposit your contributions into the following account:

Account Number: 1067901302

Card Number: 5041.7210.6637.3417

Gharz al-Hasaneh Resalat Bank

In the name of the Family Development-Oriented Empowerment Charity Institute (Child Support Account)

Also, if you are a psychology graduate residing in Kermanshah Province or its neighboring provinces and wish to participate in this movement, or if you are ready for personal participation, other forms of support, or any other services, please contact the secretariat of the “Post-Disaster Child Support Association” via the Telegram link or phone number below:

@kodak_PTSD

09136033599

We also need a number of containers and play kits to begin the treatment process for the children. If you would like to help in this area as well, please contact us via the Telegram link or phone number above.

Currently, until the official registration process for the "Post-Disaster Child Support Association" is completed, activities related to treating children with PTSD are being carried out with the support of the Family Empowerment Charity Foundation (Tutom-e Khanevadeh). All contributions and expenses incurred in this project will be announced both on the Telegram channel of the "Post-Disaster Child Support Association" and to the responsible organizations.

This passion that is in our heads

Will it ever leave while the head remains?

The rites of loyalty and kindness

Might they be absent from your city?

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A Report on the Children of the Earthquake

Author: Mohsen Renani / Birth Anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) / 25 November 2018

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