For three days, Ave Maria Mission in South Sudan became a place of listening, healing, prayer and renewed hope as survivors and community members affected by war, displacement and conflict gathered for a Trauma Healing and Psychosocial Support Workshop.
The workshop was organized by Fr. Albert Salvans, MCSPA together with the Ave Maria Mission fraternity, whose collaboration, hospitality and commitment helped make the programme a success. It was facilitated by Sheila Akinyi Otieno, Executive Director of the Compassionate Centre for Families (CFC) in Kisumu, Kenya, with the support of the local mobilization, coordination and translation team.
The first day focused on understanding trauma and its effects on emotions, thoughts, relationships, physical health and behaviour. On the second day, participants were gradually invited to share their experiences in a safe and confidential environment.
What followed then was deeply moving. One participant, whom we will call “Amina” to protect her identity, shared the devastating loss of three of her children, leaving her with only the baby she was carrying at her breast. She knew the person she believed was responsible and had been considering visiting a traditional healer to seek revenge. Yet, as she spoke through her grief, she broke down in tears and realized that she could no longer bear the hatred in her heart. She chose to forgive. Her decision did not erase what happened or the pain she continues to carry; it was a personal step towards refusing to let hatred define the rest of her life.
Another participant, whom we will call “Zaitun”, shared how she and her daughter had suffered sexual violence and subsequently faced serious health consequences. Their circumstances became so difficult that they withdrew from Church and resorted to prostitution to survive. During the workshop, however, mother and daughter returned to Church. Moved to tears, they expressed a desire to change their lives and seek medical attention. Their story became a reminder that, even after profound suffering, a person can begin to seek help, dignity and a new direction.
For Ave Maria Mission, this workshop is just the beginning. With greater support, collaboration and commitment, more initiatives can reach people who continue to live with the effects of war, displacement and trauma. The needs are many: healing, medical care, psychological support, education, reconciliation, economic recovery, community support and, above all, hope.
This workshop at Ave Maria Mission was the beginning. With continued support and commitment, may this journey of healing be repeated, expanded and carried to many more communities – one person, one family and one community at a time.
By Benjamin Maketa
Junior Apprentice, MCSPA
Ave Maria Mission [South Sudan]
