From May to October, the Sisters of Mercy (SOM) of Jamaica’s guidance counselling & social welfare unit, the Oscar Romero Centre for Youth (ORCY) partnered with the C. B. Facey Foundation (which donated J$1 million) to deliver psychosocial interventions to Mercy students. SOM’s Development Office secured the donation and oversaw the project’s implementation at the Alpha Primary School (APS), Jessie Ripoll Primary School and Alpha Vocational Training Centre (AVTC).
One of the main project activities was the Group & Individual Counselling sessions, facilitated by one of ORCY’s social workers in the two primary schools. Throughout this period, 29 group and 30 individual counselling sessions were held. Through these, students enhanced their understanding and skills regarding prosocial behaviours; critical thinking; problem solving; conflict management and more. At the end of the project, 45% of counselled students showed reduced disruptive, disrespectful and/or aggressive behaviours. There was also an improvement in the levels of focus displayed among students who had undergone counselling – which will help them academically. One child also completed a referral external diagnostic assessment which will inform the school’s approach to managing their behaviour going forward.
Besides this, the project strengthened the play therapy programme at each school. Trained staff conducted a total 58 play therapy sessions with 20 students across both primary schools. This improved students’ willingness and ability to communicate their feelings and experiences and, thus, increased schools’ awareness of students’ challenges. Both schools also had their play therapy rooms upgraded. Additionally, the ORCY Director underwent six Level 2 play therapy training sessions (focused on advanced Sand Tray-based Play Therapy) to build her capacity to train future Mercy staff in play therapy; thus, ensuring the sustainability of the programme. This additional training equipped her with new techniques which she has begun implementing in her sessions with AVTC students.
Another highlight was the delivery of 4 staff support workshops with 89 staff members across the 2 primary schools. These candid, insightful sessions allowed staff to discuss and learn about proper self-care for educators; maintaining their overall health & wellbeing; and handling interpersonal conflicts with colleagues. These were extremely well received.
In total, the project was a success. We are now sustaining these vital psychosocial interventions through the funds received via the recent Mercy Fund for Ministries grant.
