Traumatic experiences, such as earthquakes, wars and floods, can profoundly affect individuals by disrupting their sense of safety, well-being and their outlook on the world. Following SPARK’s Director of Programmes, Michel Ritcher’s, visit to Türkiye and a needs assessment that was conducted among students in higher education institutions, it became clear that there was an urgent need for psychological support in universities in affected cities.  

The ‘Trauma Awareness and Psychosocial Support’ training has been thoughtfully designed to support academic staff to adapt their interactions with students during recovery. In collaboration with Hacettepe University, SPARK has developed training for university staff in the earthquake-affected regions, which equips faculty members with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the post-disaster period and to create trauma-informed learning environments.

Professor Serkan Çelik, the trainer involved, stated: “Young adults need to understand the possible traumatic stress reactions that they may show due to traumatic life events and develop an essential perspective on psychological trauma. In this direction, in cooperation with SPARK and Hacettepe University, content has been developed to increase trauma awareness at the higher education level, to provide psychosocial support and to teach support to all relevant segments after the Kahramanmaraş/Pazarcık-centred earthquake in Türkiye.” 

Staff from the University of Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Harran University, and Mersin University, will benefit from training in the following modules: 

• The “Trauma and Grief Counselling” module includes training on the following topics: interventions for trauma and grief in disasters and emergencies, helping the helper: self-care, and ethical principles in trauma counselling.
• The “Support for University Students after a Disaster” module focuses on the trauma-sensitive learning environment, reactions to trauma, and supporting university students to communicate in the aftermath of disasters.
• The “Psychological Trauma” module addresses acute stress disorder and coping with traumatic stress.
• The “Reducing Post-Traumatic Stress and Emotion Regulation” module includes psychological resilience and post-traumatic growth, stress reduction exercises, and psychological first aid.
• The “Bereavement Counselling” module covers the grieving process and coping with loss and grief.

The holistic curriculum is designed through face-to-face and digital intervention materials to ensure the functionality and sustainability of the content in question. Acknowledging the imperative to foster supportive educational environments, the ‘Trauma Awareness and Psychosocial Support’ training actively supports faculty members to engage in their students’ recovery and monitor their welfare. 

By cultivating a deeper understanding of trauma and its ramifications, faculty members will be better equipped to assist students in overcoming their adversities. This initiative will contribute to developing a safer and more compassionate educational environment, ensuring that students receive the care and support necessary to rebuild their lives.

SPARK is committed to working towards providing higher education and employability skills for refugee and host community youth in Türkiye. The Pathway for Higher Education in Türkiye programme, funded by the European Union, stands as a noteworthy exemplar of SPARK’s efforts to support and empower the youth in the country.