Members of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of Nigeria have announced plans to organize trauma healing sessions for the victims and survivors of the July 12 collapse of the Saints Academy school building in the Busa Buji community of Jos.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of a visit by CWO members to survivors at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital, CWO National President Dame Mary Asibi Gonsum highlighted the situation of the victims and survivors and explained their urgent need for emotional and psychological support. 

“One of the boys, an altar server, asked his mother if the tragedy was real or a dream. Another girl wakes up at night, haunted by the memory of her seven classmates lying dead,” Mrs. Gonsum shared, adding, “One mother told us that her son wakes up at night, holding her tight as if something is chasing him.”

“These are all signs of trauma from what happened. We are making an effort to organize trauma healing sessions for these victims by next week, by the grace of God. These children need help to overcome their trauma,” the CWO National President in Nigeria said during the Thursday, July 18 interview.

The board member of the World Union of Catholic Women Organization (WUCWO) representing West Africa said CWO members plan to engage health workers from local hospitals to facilitate the sessions. 

 “I’ve spoken with the heads of some local health institutions, and they have sections dedicated to trauma care. We are communicating with them to provide the necessary support,” Mrs. Gonsum said.

The CWO’s initiative goes beyond immediate emotional support, she further said, adding that they aim to ensure that such a tragedy does not deter students from continuing with the pursuit of their education.