Ache, Indonesia – March 19, 2010 – Thirty years of past conflict and instability in Aceh have left an indelible mark on many communities. With less developed coping mechanisms, youth in particular are still dealing with the traumatic effects of violence and hostility they witnessed at early ages. Despite the relative peace and calm in the Matangkuli sub-district of North Aceh, many youth who grew up there during the height of the Aceh conflict are still fearful and anxious of “outsiders.” Affected by mild or severe stress, some also suffer from low self-esteem and lack of motivation. If left untreated, it is feared that many young adults may continue to carry the burden of these psychological wounds, ultimately transferring the effects of traumatic events to future generations.

Recognizing how destabilizing large numbers of youth suffering from post-conflict psychological wounds and stress can be, USAID/SERASI funded LBH Anak to design and implement a social rehabilitation program that provides psychosocial support, encourages creativity, and teaches positive behavior models. LBH Anak, an Aceh-based organization focusing on the interests and welfare of children and youth, implements the rehabilitation program in eight villages of the Matangkuli district that are deeply affected by the former conflict.

“One of the most interesting programs is a social workshop that includes games, role plays, and group discussions emphasizing creative approaches to healing through writing, drawing, and music-related activities,” says Julianda, LBH Anak’s Project Manager. Conducted weekly, the four-day creativity workshop engages 20 youth participants ages 12-17 years old with activities centered around the themes of teamwork and peace building. Three youth mentors from the village serve as co-facilitators during the workshop. Selected from existing youth organizations in the village, including the village’s karang taruna or “village youth,” and remaja mesjid or “mosque’s youth,” these mentors received training and will continue to receive supervision from their partners at LBH Anak throughout the program. Over time these mentors will assume additional responsibilities in becoming advisors for their peers.

“Key to the success of this program is the support of parents and other stakeholders including the keuchik or the head of the village,” says Julianda. He continues, “These workshops have gained such popularity that many children in the village just come and observe, some even joined the workshop despite not being registered to participate. Several neighboring villages have even requested us to expand our program beyond the eight villages we currently work with. They see that these children found a voice to express themselves. So we are hoping that other similar programs like this can be applied to benefit other villages as well.”

SERASI is a three-year USAID funded project focused on creating stable, democratic communities. It is implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD).