Ioane Sigarara with Sashi Kiran

In an effort to prepare communities for the anticipated work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, St. Agnes Catholic Church today launched a trauma awareness and recovery program.

Led by psychologist and PTSD expert Ioane Sigarara, the initiative began with an official announcement at morning Mass and will continue over the next few weeks.

Sigarara introduced the trauma program to address the needs of those affected by past injustices and to foster healing as the country moves toward reconciliation.

He adds that the sessions are designed to help people process personal and community trauma by providing a supportive space to work through the pain.

“We will hold workshops right here in our parish, in our community, engaging our people to talk about the trauma of that time and the pain, the suffering of the 1987 coup that we never talked about.”

He highlighted the need for public understanding and healing as basic steps.

Deputy Minister for Women and Children, Sashi Kiran, says recognizing the sensitivity of such action, the government has initiated trauma awareness and recovery workshops across the country.

Kiran says the combined efforts of the Church and the government mark a critical step in equipping citizens to actively participate in and benefit from the nation’s truth and reconciliation process.