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Arauco Educational Foundation supports emotional containment for communities after the wildfires

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At the start of a new school year, the situation in the communes affected by the firestorms remains complex: 14 damaged facilities in the Biobío region, along with the postponement of the return to classes until March 13 in the communes of Santa Juana, San Pedro de la Paz, and Coronel—all in a school environment that was beginning to normalize after the pandemic.

For this reason, addressing mental health in light of potential post-traumatic effects on educational communities that have endured these difficult weeks is undoubtedly a priority for the Ministry of Education (Seremi and Deprov), Local Services, and DAEM.

Active listening and self-care, for example, are practices recommended by experts for the emotional containment of individuals and groups exposed to high-stress situations due to emergencies or traumatic events.

In this context, the Arauco Educational Foundation has leveraged its expertise in the field to carry out a series of interventions convened by the Biobío Seremi of Education, providing support and guidance to teachers, administrators, and education assistants. These efforts will expand in the coming weeks to include students from the most affected communes.

"I believe it is very important to highlight the coordination efforts made by the Ministry of Education in convening an Intersectoral Socioemotional Containment Roundtable, which includes professionals from various ministerial divisions (health, culture, sports, INJUV, JUNJI, Integra, among others) and private-sector actors with experience in the field, like us. The most crucial aspect of this coordination is ensuring that support reaches each locality effectively and promptly, without overwhelming those affected with excessive intervention," said Alejandra Torretti, Territorial Director of the Foundation.

One month ago, the educational facility housing 144 elementary and preschool students was completely destroyed by the flames. However, thanks to the generosity of local institutions that provided their facilities, students will be able to resume classes in the same area until more permanent solutions are found.

"Over the past few weeks, we have worked in coordination with professionals from the Seremi, Deprov, and DAEM of Arauco to conduct workshops with the professional team and, soon, with students from Punta Lavapié Elementary School in the commune of Arauco. This will help them with tools to reduce initial stress and strengthen their emotional well-being," Torretti added.

It is worth recalling that one month ago, the educational facility housing 144 elementary and preschool students was completely destroyed by the flames. However, thanks to the generosity of local institutions that provided their facilities, students will be able to resume classes in the same area until more permanent solutions are found.

Source:www.trade-news.cl