Help children in El Salvador overcome trauma

“My emotions are not me, they’re mine”. Through endurance exercises and group dynamics, this is what the children and teachers in Distrito Italia have learned during the second month of Brain Education.

The very difficult circumstances in Tonacatepeque generate high levels of stress. Stress can both improve and impair functioning of the brain. During the past 4 weeks, we have focused the education on stress and stress management for better brain functioning. By learning to identify their emotions and traumas of the past, teachers and students have started to accept them and move beyond them, increasing their focus and creativity.

Last week we did the mid-term exam. We measured strength, flexibility, endurance, attitude and focus, in body and brain. The rules were: either everyone passes or no one passes. They all passed! Another highlight of this month was a one-day outdoor training. Children and teachers shared a day together in nature focused on strengthening their trust in themselves and each other while connecting with the Earth.

The Director of the school has shared with us that the teachers are experiencing great improvements. “Manuel is more creative in the classroom (…), Rosibel has improved her interpersonal relationships with other colleagues as well as with the children (…), Oscar has much more motivation with his work”. As for the children, “95% of the children in the Brain Education class have changed a lot, they have a more positive attitude to school and to life and much more self-confidence. They are more relaxed and less violent” he explains.

We continue developing our plans for expansion to other schools in the country. In the last weeks, we held discussions with the Ministry of Education, UNDP and UNICEF, who all expressed interest. Stay tuned!

From all the teachers and children in Distrito Italia: MUCHAS GRACIAS A TODOS LOS DONANTES!!!