PARENTING DURING CRISIS
The recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have had a devastating impact on communities and individuals. Many people have lost their homes, jobs, and loved ones. This has led to increased stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. The HDO has launched a project called “Parenting During Crisis” with the support of Pakistan Youth Change Advocate (PYCA), Islamabad to provide evidence-based parenting tips to families affected by the floods. The project team has visited flood-affected areas and conducted awareness sessions with parents. They have also provided support to families who are struggling to cope with the emotional and financial challenges of the crisis. One of the challenges that the project team has faced is the reluctance of some community members to allow their women to participate in the awareness sessions. The team has worked to address this issue by holding corner meetings and explaining the importance of women’s participation.
The project has received positive feedback from community members. Kaneez Mai, a mother from village Babar Pakka, shared that her 13-year-old son was suffering from mental health problems after the floods. The HDO team was able to connect her with a psychiatrist who provided her son with support. The HDO is committed to providing support to families affected by the floods. The “Parenting During Crisis” project is an important initiative that is helping to improve the mental health of children and adolescents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
