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Taking what has been learned into the participants ’ future work
SAID ALOUD
Taking what you have learned into your future work
Aim . To encourage you to think about the work that awaits you at home , and how you can retain the skills you have learned and shared in the workshop .
PART II : THE TRAINING
Trainer . The workshop is now at an end . In these three days we have learned from the story of the Butterfly Woman and the terrible events that occurred to her .
• Why women exposed to such violations struggle with their own feelings and thoughts .
• Why new experiences and events may trigger trauma reactions .
• Why survivors may feel completely alone , lost and unworthy .
• Different approaches can be helpful to survivors as they struggle to restore their strength , their sense of hope and their dignity .
Your big challenge , now , is to make sure that you remember the stories and discussions we have shared , and the exercises and skills you have learned , and can apply them in your work when you return to your communities . Also , remember to implement the human rights-based approach in your work .
I cannot summarise everything we have done together . Here , nevertheless , is a list of basics that you may find useful .
[ She pins up the basic principles that are listed on the facing page .] Now I want to take a step back and to put what we have done in perspective .
We have followed the tale of one woman , her suffering , and return to life . In the real world , every survivor and every case is unique . You cannot apply what we have learned here mechanically . In every instance , you must use your own imagination and judgement to decide what kind of support this woman needs , what kind of approach this case requires . No short cuts are available to you .
This means that you need to internalise , and understand for yourself , the ideas we have shared here and the exercises we have learned . Only then can you adapt and develop them to meet the particular needs and situations of the women you want to help .
At the same time , I suggest there are some golden questions , which are always relevant .
• What resources can this survivor draw upon , in herself and from outside ?
• Will I ( or other helpers ) see her regularly or just a few times , or only very occasionally ?
• As a helper , how much do I know about her situation ? Do I know enough ?
• As a helper , am I promising too much ? Can I sustain the help that I am offering ?
Always think clearly about the survivor ’ s best interest , and never knowingly promise a survivor support that you cannot sustain .
Stay in touch !
CLOSING CEREMONY . PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES . FAREWELLS .