Psycho-social support
With a holistic view to the ability to act
terre des hommes schweiz has been working successfully since the mid-1990s in countries whose people are marked by disease, poverty and violence. The focus of the work is a holistic view of individual problems and the social environment. Only in this way can psychological and social support help those affected to regain hope and become capable members of their community.
The lives of people in the countries of the South are often marked by illness, poverty, violence, natural disasters and the violation of human rights. These are living conditions that greatly increase susceptibility to stigma, marginalization, impoverishment, experiences of violence and violations of rights. Those affected are thus caught up in a spiral of impoverishment. With the help of psychological and social methods (Psychosocial support - PSS) you can break the spiral. The success of these methods is based on the fact that they take into account both the individual psychological aspects of a person and his or her social environment (his or her relationships, family, community, social values and culture) from the very beginning. Only with this kind of support can those affected regain hope of being able to determine their own lives again.
In the groups with like-minded people, the children and young people first learn to confide in each other through the exchange. This results in mutual support. In this way they become active with each other, cooperate and make joint decisions. In addition, skills are imparted that help them to face the demands, challenges and changes in life. (Project example: Support for AIDS orphanswith the partner organisation Humuliza)
On the one hand, the children and young people must learn to cope with their difficult environment, and on the other hand it is extremely important to create a supportive environment for them. Our partner organisations therefore also work with families, carers and caregivers, as well as communities of young people, and conduct awareness-raising and information events on relevant topics.
Example projects Youth participation
Life prospects despite HIV/AIDS with the partner organisation MMPZ in Zimbabwe
Support for AIDS orphans with the partner organisation Humuliza in Tanzania
REPSSI
The non-profit organisation co-founded by terre des hommes schweiz REPSSI (the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative) is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of mental and social support.
More about PSS
Radio portrait of our long-time PSS expert Irene Bush (broadcast by SWR 2 on 9.10.2020)
Desk
