“Entraide National” psychologists, experts, and civil society actors mobilized a psychological support team on Sunday in Ouarzazate to address the psychological and social consequences of the deadly September 8 earthquake on victims, particularly children.
“Mental health support is essential to help children and their families cope with the effects of this natural disaster,” Mina Lamrighi, Coordinator of the Child Protection Unit of the Ouarzazate Entraide National, told MAP in a statement.
She stated that Entraide Nationale has mobilized its staff and partners to provide social and psychological services to children and families affected by the disaster, and that the agency is taking measures and coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to provide care for orphans and children facing difficult circumstances.
The program, which began in Agourd Nouadouz, a village in the rural commune of Ighrem N’ougdal (80 kilometers from Ouarzazate), is intended also to prevent child exploitation by addressing their psychological and social needs.
Psychologist Mustapha Sidiali highlighted that it is essential to provide culturally appropriate mental health and psycho-social support services, especially for children and their care givers, to help them overcome trauma and psychological distress.
He also pointed out that engaging in games and sport can also play a vital role in alleviating children’s distress and bringing comfort to traumatized young victims.
Abderrazak Moufid, a member of a local child protection association, explained how toys can also help reduce children’s distress after traumatic events. He said they can find “comfort in dolls, cars and other toys that help them fall asleep, having fun and easing their anxiety.”
Entraide Nationale (“national mutual aid”), founded in 1957 initially as a private social organization of public utility, is now a government agency with civil status and financial autonomy operating under the auspices of Morocco’s Ministry of Social Affairs.