The Tamil refugees fleeing Sri Lanka undergo great suffering, not only physical but also mental. Arriving on the shores of Tamil Nadu, they have lost their belongings, their jobs, and in many cases family members and close relatives. The trauma of escape and displacement, accompanied by the boredom, sense of worthlessness and lack of privacy in the refugee camp situation, leads in many cases to depression, stress and anxiety.

OfERR quickly recognised the need to confront these problems, and launched its counselling programme with the help of other NGOs. In 1988 the first counselling training sessions were held for OfERR volunteers, led by Dr. Moses Manoharan of ICSA (Inter-Church Service Agency) and Mrs. Soulina Arnold of TNVHA (Tamil Nadu Voluntary Health Association). The sessions were very successful and the programme began to develop. Since 1994, OfERR has been assisted by Rev. Kambarmanickam, former principal at Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai. He is now OfERR’s senior counselling consultant, and continues to conduct training programmes.

OfERR currently has 35 counsellors working full-time across Tamil Nadu, including the Tsunami-affected areas where OfERR is providing valuable support. 30 volunteers are currently undergoing training – a process of five stages, with each stage being completed over three days. In the Tsunami areas, Indian volunteers are also benefiting from training sessions. Over 250 people have completed OfERR counselling training; some have taken their skills back to Sri Lanka, while others remain in India, raising families or involved in employment. The skills of these people remain valuable to the refugee community. In addition, OfERR welcomes experts in this field from abroad; several expatriate Sri Lankans from the west have visited Tamil Nadu to work in the camps and offer counselling training to volunteers.  

Counsellors travel between the camps in each region, identifying and working with those requiring help. Group and individual meetings are held, depending on the needs and problems of the people involved. In some cases, the need for further psychiatric treatment is acknowledged by counsellors, and refugees are referred to hospital for specialist treatment. Health workers based in each camp also play a crucial role in identifying those who will benefit from the time and expertise donated by OfERR counsellors. Cultural activities are also promoted by the counselling programme – such social events have been shown to help in arresting depression and other forms of mental trauma affecting the refugee community.

The counselling programme began in response to a need perceived among the displaced and traumatised Ceylon refugees in India. This work has been conducted with meagre resources other than the commitment of OfERR’s greatest asset – its people. This continuing commitment is of great value to the refugees, whose experiences and sufferings are shared and understood by our counsellors.

Achievements

• Reduction in the number of refugee suicides
• Increase in refugees’ capacity to cope with different situations
• Greater participation of elders in community activities
• Monthly regional meetings allowing counsellors to share experiences and develop their skills
• Regular review meetings among OfERR volunteers to improve the service provided