Kerala floods: Storytelling and games for kids in relief camps

KOTTAYAM: The biggest deluge to have hit Kerala in 100 years, had been a nightmare for the children in the flood-hit areas as well.

Even as the state is trying to come in terms with the unprecedented situation, there is a movement shaping up to take care the

mental health

of the children who had been through the trauma. A group of experts in various fields like art, theatre, literature and publishing industry are coming together to conduct sessions of storytelling and games in various

flood relief camps

for the children who are residing there.

Manu Jose, a school of drama product, said that the aim is to make a subtle observation of the children and becoming one amongst them. "The challenge is to win their hearts and become one among them to identify their needs," said Manu who is leading the project. The project will be launched in some camps in Kottayam and Alappuzha on Tuesday. The programme is organised jointly by the Kottayam District administration, DC Books and 'Me and You', a performing company.

"We are trying to make them overcome the stress they had in a positive way. They will draw and paint the images they have about the flood which they will preserve as a souvenir of the 2018 floods,” said Ravi Dee Cee, the managing director of DC Books.

The sessions lead by Manu Jose will be assisted by actors, painters and psychologists who are experts in their respective fields. "Since we have no prior working models on the issue, it will be a trial and error method. We are looking for more volunteers. Once we chart out a method it could be implemented across the state, he said. With his experience in storytelling and theatre for over three decades, Manu will be trying to enter the minds of the children not as a performer. "The children has gone through traumas of different kinds. We are trying to make use of our expertise to identify their problems and solve," he added.

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