By Steve Olweean and Myron Eshowsky | co directors of Social Health Care Program
The first distribution of the therapeutic teddy bears was held in Irbid, Jordan for refugee children with disabilities. It was a joyous and celebratory event for the children, their families, and volunteers aiding in the distribution. A number of these sorts of events will be occurring over the next month including special training for staff and parents in how to use the teddy bears as a therapeutic tool for self soothing, bonding, and anxiety reduction in areas of Jordan where most of the refugees reside. Additionally, there will be music and expressive art therapy events to work with the children as the bears are distributed.
A research project is in early stages to measure the effectiveness of the bears as a tool for alleviating trauma and stress for the refugee children. The purpose of the research is to assess the usefulness of the teddy bears as support for future distribution of more bears in other regions where the refugees reside.
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