Following the eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano on April 9th 2021, many Vincentians in the Red and Orange Zones were displaced from their normal way of lives and homes.
Many of whom found refuge in the various shelters designated by the Government and NEMO as spaces to house persons who evacuate their homes. This disruption caused many to experience trauma, grief, shock and disbelief, while at the same-time coping with their new living conditions. It was therefore necessary for the provision of psychosocial support and therapy for the affected persons.
The government through its international agencies were provided with this support through UNICEF. The Goodness Tour was then organized and sent to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to assist in this regard through innovative ways. The Goodness Tour provides music and art experiences to persons facing adversity all over the world. The Goodness Tour infuses hope, resilience, positivity, joy and love into the hearts of those who are facing aversity.
The expected activities to be conducted on Saint Vincent are as follows:
1. Facilitation of 40 two hr creative therapy classes with adolescents and caregivers in selected communities.
2. Painting of 6 large community murals at strategic location within the disaster zone; local artistes and community individual would be welcomed to paint.
3. Distribute Government/UNICEF information cards with messages on the prevention and response to all forms of child abuse and gender-based violence sessions as is possible.
4. Hosting of one community engagement in capital Kingstown between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in association with UNICEF and partners; this would be used to communicate the importance of community healing and the recovery processes.
This collaboration is between the Ministries of National Mobilisation et al, Tourism and Culture, UNICEF, Water Mission, and Alliance of artists in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and community actors.
SOURCE: SOURCE: Ministry of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Youth, Housing and Informal Human Settlement
