How Trauma-informed Education is Changing Lives in Liberia

Our team in Liberia is welcoming 10 new students.

A ministry leader in Liberia shared—

“Many of our new kids have never been in a classroom or attended school.”

So a team of teachers is holding introductory classes for our new students to help them get settled before they start school with the other children. They also received new school uniforms, shoes, supplies, and backpacks to help them feel comfortable and excel in their studies.

At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The third part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing quality education to orphaned and vulnerable children to provide a foundation for their future. 

Teachers and staff also attend regular training.

Recently, they engaged in two intensive, multi-day trauma-informed care and teaching workshops, with question-and-answer sessions to follow. These trainings helped them understand how brain development can be impacted after a child experiences trauma and how to recognize when trauma is at play in a child’s behavior. When our team understands the effects of trauma, they are able to react with patience and grace to a child’s difficult behaviors.

Our team also learned techniques for helping children form secure attachments with their caretakers. Our staff build these connections by creating safety in the relationship through positive interactions and conversations and by ensuring the child has what he or she needs. When children experience safety, they can begin to heal from the effects of trauma. One of the caregivers shares—

“When we treat them like they are our own children and take good care of them, the children feel happy and want to be close with you.”

Finally, the teachers learned the importance of lesson planning. In addition to facilitating an organized schedule, lesson planning helps them assess whether their students have learned the subject matter they set out to teach. A teacher in Liberia shares—

“I learned that it is good to set an objective so you can measure a child’s success.”

Today, our team provides education

to over 600 children in our school and over 300 young men and women at our vocational college. Emmanuel, Lifesong Liberia Director shares—

“The future is bright. Looking at those kids and looking at the way God has empowered us, there is no reason why these kids would go to sleep without food. There’s no reason why they would not have an education. There’s no reason why they can’t compete in our society and get a better job. We see that the work we’ve done over the years has prepared them for a better future.”

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Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in Liberia experience the hope of the Gospel?

When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.