BURKINA FASO, MALI, NIGER
The Norwegian Refugee Council has developed a research-based psychosocial support intervention for learners called the Better Learning Programme (BLP) that aims to support children’s recovery from traumatic events experienced during conflict and displacement, and mobilises a support network of caregivers, teacher and counsellors to restore a sense of normality, safety and hope. Anthrologica worked with the NRC to adapt the BLP to the specific needs and context of schools which have come under attack in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The study provided valuable insights into existing community-based psychosocial support strategies and identified school- and community-based protection measures that can support and enhance the well-being and resilience of children and youth. Evidence-based recommendations focused on the ways in which the development of MHPSS strategies can be effectively aligned with community knowledge and practices, and how local community knowledge and practices can be sustainable and transformative support mechanisms.