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Salesians in Ghana Providing Psychological Help to Youth Aimed at Family Reintegration

Credit: Salesian Missions

By Jude Atemanke

Accra, 20 March, 2023 / 11:26 am (ACI Africa).

Members of the Religious Institute of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in Ghana are, in partnership with a Salesian-run entity, providing psychological support to at-risk children aimed at realizing their integration in families.

In a report published Tuesday, March 14, SDB officials say the support to the beneficiaries involves counseling.

“Salesian missionaries are providing psychological support for children at the Don Bosco Child Protection Center in Ashaiman, Ghana,” SDB officials say about the facilities that is in the country’s Catholic Archdiocese of Accra.

They note that the initiative is “supported by the Salesian-run International Voluntary Service (VIS) and ensures children and their families receive the help they need for family reintegration.” 

The support involves counseling, which “helps youth gain insight and understanding about why they are at the center and supports them in choosing good behaviors,” SDB officials further say.

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They add, “Youth are also provided counseling to explore their future aspirations, along with encouragement to study hard and take advantage of the lessons provided at the center.”

“Those who do well in classroom education are taught in the local dialect,” SDB officials say, and continue, “Youth who do not excel in school receive training in work like fishing and farming with a chance to see what fits them.”

“The psychological counseling supports both groups of students in finding the path that works best for them.” Salesians of SDB say in the March 14 report. 

In addition to individual and group psychological interventions, Salesians in Ghana say, “The center provides computing classes, basic literacy, and additional courses in photography, drama and swimming.” 

“After every session, homework is given to encourage commitment to their education,” they add.

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In the March 14 report, the interim Director of the U.S.-based development arm of the SDB, Salesian Missions, is quoted as saying that children enrolled at the Ashaiman Center receive psychological support because of the challenges they have experienced in their respective lives. 

“The children at the center have gone through a great deal of challenges in their short lives and psychological support is essential to ensure successful family reunification,” says Fr. Timothy Ploch.

Fr. Ploch adds, “At Salesian centers, youth access the supportive services they need to start the rehabilitation process, reunite with their families and return to school so they can start skills training.”

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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