A social enterprise organisation, Illuminating Minds, said it trained 67 teachers in the Mangu IDP camp in Plateau State on trauma-informed classroom care.

Founder of the organisation, Dr Itari Turner, said in a statement on Saturday that the training tagged “A Teacher with a Difference”, was conducted in collaboration with its partners Shamiri Institute and Charis Healthcare & Community Support Initiative.

Turner stated that the training was carefully designed to help teachers better understand the signs and symptoms of trauma, and how to create a safe and supportive learning environment for children who have experienced trauma.

Turner said that the training was also essential for teachers in IDP camps as many of the children they teach have experienced significant trauma.

“Children who have experienced trauma often have difficulty learning.

“They may be withdrawn, aggressive, or have difficulty paying attention.

“By understanding the signs and symptoms of trauma, teachers can better support these children and help them succeed in school,” she stated.

Turner also stated that the training equally focused on trauma healing for the teachers themselves.

“Teachers need to be able to heal from their trauma to be effective in supporting children who have experienced trauma.

“Teachers who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to connect with children who are also struggling.

“By healing from their trauma, teachers can be more present and supportive for the children they teach,” she said.

Turner called on stakeholders to support and pay attention to the mental health, trauma and education needs of Internally IDPs.

She said that her mission was to visit and train teachers in at least 100 IDP camps across the country by the end of 2024.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria