Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) among Compassion Assisted Children in Rwanda Assessment of Counseling Needs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of PTSD among Compassion assisted children in Kigali, Rwanda, and to assess the counseling needs of the victims of PTSD under the care of Compassion International in Rwanda. The target population of the study was children in seven projects selected through purposive sampling based on their age. Data was also collected form social workers, presidents of committee members and the trauma counselor of Compassion Rwanda office. The research tools used in data collection were the questionnaire, observation and interviews. The analysis of data revealed that there are many children who are affected by PTSD. Subsequently, many children experience a number of problems such as poor academic performance, withdrawal form school and poor concentration, sleep disturbance, lack of motivation and flashback of the unpleasant past. There is need to listen carefully to children's problems by encouraging them to express their feelings and then give them solutions to the problems.