Boko Haram’s brutal tactics of abduction and forced recruitment have unleashed a silent crisis in Northern Nigeria. Children coerced into becoming “child soldiers” endure unimaginable horrors, witnessing and perpetrating acts of violence with profound long-term psychological consequences. Healing the deep wounds inflicted upon their mental health is a slow, painstaking process. As Nigeria grapples with the physical devastation caused by Boko Haram, the invisible scars on the nation’s psyche may endure for decades, demanding urgent attention and support for mental well-being.
The decade long conflict in the Northeastern part of Nigeria has left in its trail carnage, bloodshed, destruction, and displacements. Many of the survivors of these conflict have continued to struggle with deep seated scars which time has not been able to properly conceal. While there have been several programs aimed at helping these survivors towards a path of recovery, the Chibok project implemented by Neem Foundation stands out.
The effectively tailored approach
The Chibok Project, an innovative trauma support intervention, successfully employed expressive therapy to facilitate profound psychological healing within conflict-affected communities. Distinct from traditional talk therapy approaches, this groundbreaking intervention harnessed the power of activities that evoke self-expression to enable individuals to authentically express emotions, foster understanding and clarity of thought, resolve conflicts, enhance problem-solving abilities, and build resilience.
Spanning two months, this transformative initiative catered to adults, adolescents, and children residing in the beleaguered communities in Borno State, Nigeria. Its multifaceted program incorporated art therapy, psychodrama, music, and dance, as well as mindfulness activities. These communities, situated in the northeastern region of Nigeria, have endured over a decade of turmoil due to the Boko Haram insurgency, rendering them fertile ground for the implementation of the Chibok Project. Specifically, the Simari Jere and Wadiya communities within Jere Local Government Area experienced the tremendous benefits of this intervention, with a noteworthy participation of 628 men, women and children across both locales.
“The Chibok project revealed a remarkable tale of triumph, encapsulating the transformative power of healing and redemption. In this awe-inspiring account, a young woman, burdened by the haunting shadow of her brother’s affiliation with the notorious Boko Haram sect, emerged as a symbol of resilience against all odds. Cast aside by her community due to the sins of her kin, she descended into the depths of despair, her spirit teetering on the precipice of darkness. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she discovered solace and restoration through the immersive endeavors of the Chibok project. Engaging fervently in the project’s activities, she unleashed the shackles constraining her emotions and unleashed a torrent of self-expression. Over time, a miraculous metamorphosis transpired, as she reclaimed her rightful place in the embrace of her community, fostering unity and healing in equal measure. This poignant testament serves as an indomitable reminder that the path to psychological recovery weaves its intricate threads through myriad junctures of human experience.”
Istifanus Dauda (MHPSS Team Lead)
Using unconventional solutions for conventional issues
Dance has a transformative effect on bodily trauma.
Eve Ensler
The Chibok project sought to bring transformation and healing to the beneficiaries of the program, and this was done using activities most common with the people.
Art Therapy became a powerful channel for adolescents and children to articulate their innermost thoughts and emotions through the medium of art and drawings, fostering a safe space for dialogue around challenging experiences and the resolution of painful memories. Equipped with drawing materials, including books, pencils, colors, and crayons, beneficiaries were encouraged to depict their feelings from the past, present, and future aspirations. Inclusive of children with disabilities, this therapeutic approach opened avenues for self-expression and healing.
Meanwhile, Psychodrama engaged selected participants in rehearsals, culminating in thought-provoking presentations that shed light on common community challenges and their potential solutions. One poignant psychodrama depicted the rejection and stigma faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the host community, juxtaposed with the limitations faced by host community members in accessing support from NGOs within the IDP camps.
Music and Dance Therapy elevated emotional, cognitive, and physical states, as beneficiaries synchronized their movements to local music, finding solace, connection, and self-confidence in the expression of their unique journeys. Mindfulness Techniques, including hand fan knitting and henna dye design, harnessed the mind-body connection to cultivate present-focused attention, detachment from external distractions, and a reduction of negative thoughts.
Through the provision of materials and guidance, beneficiaries experienced confidence, accomplishment, and meditative states while creating tangible symbols of their desires. Lastly, Insight Therapy empowered beneficiaries to understand their psychosocial distress and utilize various expressive techniques to facilitate healing and enhance their overall well-being.
Healing through expressions
Within the heart-wrenching narratives of struggle and survival, amidst the shadows of displacement and loss, the therapeutic sessions of the Chibok Project brought forth moments of healing, resilience, and hope. These success stories stand as testaments to the profound impact of emotional support and expressive activities on individuals shattered by the ravages of conflict.
Among the beneficiaries is the story of young, vibrant 14-year-old, who was torn from her beloved ancestral home in Monguno LGA and felt her dreams crumble as she dropped out of school. A pervasive sense of worthlessness cast a heavy shadow upon her spirit. However, as she immersed herself in the therapy sessions, a glimmer of hope emerged from the depths of despair. Through the counseling sessions, she gained invaluable insight into her own struggles, experiencing a profound sense of emotional relief. This newfound clarity sparked a flame of determination within her, igniting a belief in a brighter future that once seemed beyond her reach.
Another outstanding success story was of a married woman from Wadiya community, where a married woman, aged 46, found herself uprooted from Bama LGA in Borno state, and her world shattered by the brutal loss of her beloved husband and the collapse of her livelihood. Burdened by psychological distress, worries, fears, and frustrations, she entered the therapy session with a heavy heart. Yet, in those moments of active listening and heartfelt empathy, her burden began to ease. The genuine care and understanding shown to her provided a sanctuary for her emotions, bringing forth an emotional relief she had long yearned for. Through this transformative experience, she discovered a renewed sense of hope and an unwavering determination to rebuild her shattered life.
There is also the story of a 60-year-old man, grappling with physical health challenges and the devastating fallout of the Boko Haram Insurgency Crisis. The loss of his source of livelihood, coupled with the heart-wrenching separation from his loved ones, had left him adrift in a sea of despair. Yet, within the therapy session’s embrace, he found solace and a renewed sense of belonging. The emotional relief he experienced, intertwined with feelings of joy and hope, washed over him as he encountered the transformative power of empathy, compassion, and genuine human connection.
For a 42-year-old widow burdened by the weight of her deceased husband’s absence, life had become a relentless cycle of frustration. The loss of her beloved breadwinner had left her adrift, grappling with the harsh realities of existence. Yet, within the knitting of a simple hand fan, she discovered a profound lesson. Patience, focus, and acceptance intertwined within the rhythmic movements of her hands, casting aside worries that once consumed her. As the threads of the hand fan intertwined, so too did her own resilience, bringing forth a newfound sense of purpose and a renewed appreciation for the realities of life.
In the words of an energetic man, 42 years of age, the expressive activity of hand fan knitting ignited a spark of hope within his weary heart. Bereft of his livelihood in the wake of the insurgency attack, his spirit yearned for a glimpse of a better tomorrow. Within the intimate space of group discussions, he found solace in shared experiences and dreams. The collective thread of hope woven through their stories infused him with a renewed sense of purpose, reminding him that even amidst the darkest nights, the dawn of a brighter day is not beyond reach.
Where next will the healing wind of the Chibok project blow?
These stories of triumph amidst adversity serve as beacons of resilience, illuminating the transformative power of the Chibok Project. In the face of unimaginable challenges, emotional healing and the rekindling of hope have found their rightful place within the hearts and souls of those affected. As their journeys continue, may their stories inspire and remind us of the profound impact compassion and understanding can have in the lives of those who have endured the unimaginable. From direct feedback gotten from the beneficiaries, it is obvious that the approach adopted by the Chibok project addresses the issues in a different yet effective way. It therefore suffices to say that the Chibok wind of healing needs to spread to places not yet reached