/ A Counseling Center in Sidi Moussa
The area of Sidi Moussa in south-western Algiers was particularly hard-hit by massacres of civilians in the 1990's. The wounds inflicted by these horrifying experiences have not yet healed, many inhabitants of the area still grieve for family members that have 'disappeared'. In addition to this, due to the destruction of the infrastructure, the area has become economically marginalised and a large part of the population remains unemployed. In 2000, the 'Société Algérienne de Recherche en Psychologie' (SARP) opened an interdisciplinary counseling center that gives support to traumatised women and men. The SARP sees itself as a part of the Algerian movement for democracy, the work done by the organisation contributes to the Algerian debate on war and violence.
Psychosocial Aid
The counseling offered by SARP in Sidi Moussa is open to children and adolescents, as well as adults. The center hosts psychologists and psychiatrists who provide therapy for single clients as well as for groups, usually for the period of a year. Besides learning to deal with the trauma of violence, the counseling focuses on coping with the demands people face in their daily lives, and on developing perspectives for the future. A majority of those seeking help are women, many of them widows, as well as unemployed young adults. The social workers of SARP look for training positions and apprenticeships, as well as jobs, apartments and houses, and do what they can to facilitate the access of women to medical care. To achieve this, they remain in close contact with the local authorities, hospitals, doctors, laboratories, chemists and the women's shelters. SARP has a legal expert who makes sure that victims of violence are granted the official status of victims of terrorist acts and receive compensation. An expert on the Amnesty Laws of 1999, as well as Family Law, the legal practitioner of SARP assists clients preparing to raise claims or make appeals before a court of law.
Encouraging Local Initiatives
To achieve lasting empowerment within the Algerian society, SARP encourages local self-help initiatives. Members of SARP support people with founding co-operatives or associations, and facilitate the networking between various groups. They also impart practical know-how about submitting proposals for projects, finding the necessary financial means, and dealing with authorities.
Community Building with Children and Adolescents
On their afternoons off school, children who live in the area are free to play, read and paint in the library and games room of the center. An educator and several trainees organise various activities and support them in realising projects of their own.
