Regional Training for Local Orphanages

Earlier this month, one of our board members, Heather Giezendanner, had the opportunity to present a 2-day training for about 50 staff members from various orphanages in the region, including directors, social workers, psychologists, and live-in educators. Liz Bernuy, the director of the transitional home, coordinated the training, which was attended by 98% of orphanages in the region. The training focused on the impact of childhood trauma on adolescents, as well as tools and techniques to help adolescents successfully transition out of orphanages. Various directors from the local and national authorities attended portions of the training, including some of the directors from Peru’s national social service agency and the regional director. The local government paid for all of the supplies, materials and refreshments, in order to allow everyone the opportunity to attend.

The training was an incredible opportunity to gain awareness for the Luz de Vida transitional home at both a regional and national level. Since Luz de Vida is the only transitional home in northern Peru for youth transitioning out of orphanages, many of the orphanage staff and local authorities have not yet fully understood how to explain the concept of a transitional home to those living at their facilities. It became clear throughout the training that there is a great need for the transitional home and supportive services for youth aging out of orphanages. It will be exciting to see how the connections made at the training allow for more youth to receive the help and support that they need.

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