67th Annual Conference

Friday, February 26

Session 210

The Earth as a Classroom: Using Groups to Help Children Participate in Rebuilding their Community after the Chinese Earthquake

Presenter:

Emily J. Zeng, Psy.D., Therapist, Lifeline Center for Child Development, Queens Village, New York

Using a community-based model of participatory action research (PAR), children in Beichuan join adults in post-quake relief and recovery and show an extraordinary capacity to heal and help. The workshop examines the multiple long term impact of the Chinese Earthquake in a severely traumatized region and the group processes which empower the children and the community at large.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1.Describe participatory action research (PAR) and its cross-cultural implication in trauma treatment.

2.Differentiate developmental differences of trauma reactions among age groups.

3.Utilize various strategies which facilitate group processes.

Course References:

Cammorata, J. & Fine, M. (Eds.) (2008). Revolutionizing Education. Youth Participatory Action Research in Motion. New York: Routledge.

Freire, P. (2002). Educating for Critical Consciousness. Continuum Publishing Company.

Hart, R. (1999). Children's Participation: The Theory and Practice of Involving Young Citizens in Community Development and Environmental Care. UNICEF. London: Earthscan.