As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen protection and psychosocial support for individuals in situations of heightened vulnerability, the Malaz Foundation for Women's Support conducted a training entitled "Psychological First Aid and Strengthening Resilience in Responding to Stress and Crises." The training was implemented under the Foundation's Protection and Psychosocial Support Program and aimed to equip women and girls with essential knowledge and practical skills to effectively cope with stress and crisis situations, while enabling them to provide safe and appropriate psychological first aid to themselves and others in a manner that upholds human dignity, promotes well-being, and reinforces a sense of safety.
The training was implemented in response to the psychological and social challenges faced by women and girls in communities experiencing heightened vulnerability, where daily pressures arising from economic and social circumstances are compounded by limited access to specialized psychosocial support services. In this context, the Foundation sought to provide practical and accessible training that equips participants with the basic knowledge and skills needed to respond to these challenges with greater awareness and resilience.
The training was delivered over the course of two days using interactive and participatory learning methodologies tailored to the educational backgrounds and needs of the target group. Training methods included facilitated discussions, practical exercises, role-playing, and visual learning tools to ensure participants' active engagement and to facilitate the translation of knowledge into practical skills applicable in everyday life.
The curriculum covered the concept and core principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and its role in providing humane and supportive assistance to individuals experiencing distress following crises or stressful events. Participants were introduced to common psychological reactions to adversity, active listening techniques, supportive communication skills, and ethical approaches to delivering psychological first aid while respecting privacy, confidentiality, and the principle of "Do No Harm." The training also addressed the identification of situations requiring specialized mental health intervention and the application of safe and appropriate referral pathways when necessary.
This training represents the first phase of the Foundation's broader Protection and Psychosocial Support Program, focusing on establishing participants' foundational knowledge and practical skills. It will be followed by a second training phase dedicated to psychosocial support techniques and trauma-informed approaches, with the objective of strengthening participants' capacity to provide more effective psychosocial support within their families and communities and to contribute to building more resilient and supportive community environments.
