In an effort to foster inclusivity and promote healing among persons with disabilities in South Sudan, Helping Hands, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is organizing Trauma Awareness Workshops in Juba and Jonglei. These workshops aim to empower individuals with disabilities by enhancing their understanding of trauma and its impact on mental well-being, while also fostering meaningful engagement in peacebuilding efforts.

Helping Hands, a dedicated organization working to harness the potentials of persons with disabilities, has long recognized the importance of including these individuals in public discourse and peacebuilding initiatives. With the support of UNDP, they have embarked on a journey to enlighten persons with disabilities about the prevalence and consequences of trauma on their mental health and overall participation in peacebuilding processes.

The Trauma Awareness Workshops will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the causes, symptoms, and impact of trauma, as well as basic interventions for trauma healing and psychosocial support. Through interactive sessions, attendees will learn essential skills to address the effects of conflict on mental well-being, empowering them to navigate challenges and build resilience.
The workshops in Juba and Jonglei will serve as a platform for participants from various organizations representing persons with disabilities, including Equatoria States Association of the Deaf (ESADD), South Sudan Association of the Visually Impaired (SSAVI), Jubek State Union of the Visually Impaired (JSUVI), Union of the Physical Disabled (UPD), South Sudan Association of the Deaf (SSNAD), and South Sudan Paralympic Association.

The objectives of the Trauma Awareness Workshop are multifaceted, aiming to:
1.    Raise awareness of emotional trauma, shedding light on its prevalence and impact within the community.
2.    Understand how trauma affects behavior, enabling participants to recognize and address related challenges.
3.    Consider how understanding trauma can enhance interactions with others, fostering empathy and support.
4.    Increase support through awareness raising, encouraging collective efforts to address the needs of individuals affected by trauma.

By empowering persons with disabilities with knowledge and skills to navigate trauma, these workshops represent a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and reconciliation in South Sudan. Through collaboration and education, Helping Hands and UNDP are working to create a more inclusive society where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to peace and development.