Bring Emotional Wellness to Schools during Covid

Dear Contributors to PEMH School Covid Project,

The first component of the Project so generously support by yourselves has taken place. It was decided to build on the work done at a school, Westering High in Port Elizabeth, which had already been part of our Covid Support workshop programme. Here, it had been noticed that learners who had lost family and close ones through the pandemic were struggling to cope. 

Our social worker ran an initial workshop for a grouping of Grade 10 and 11 learners affected by grief and loss through Covid. Members of the group were given a safe space to express their feelings about what had happened and to explore how different communities deal with death and mourning. This was greatly helpful as young people can sometimes be marginal in adult rituals and need to feel that their trauma is normal part of the mourning process. 

The group was assured that each person has their own ways and pace of dealing with grief, all of which is quite natural. They discussed how to look after their emotional health under such circumstances, as well as how to identify signs of needing to ask for assistance. The group members are now aware that additional support is available to them should this be necessary.

The counsellor reported that by the end of the extended session a great weight had been lifted from these young people and that they felt empowered to deal with their own situations.

PEMH decided that it was not appropriate to send out photographs of the participants under the circumstances. 

We wish once again to thank you all for very meaningful contribution as this has started a transformative process for participants.

All the best for a safe and restful festive season,

PEMH