Sashi Kiran, the Assistant Minister for Women, expressed optimism that the Truth and Reconciliation Bill will be presented to Parliament during the upcoming December session. This announcement coincided with St Agnes Parish in Nabua beginning trauma awareness workshops, led by Father Ioane Sigarara.
During a church service, Minister Kiran praised Father Sigarara’s efforts to initiate discussions surrounding community healing. She emphasized the importance of addressing historical traumas, noting, “Even when people say, 40 years ago, or bringing it up, you can see there is raw emotions and raw pain,” underscoring the necessity of raising awareness about the impacts of trauma and post-traumatic stress.
Minister Kiran acknowledged that trauma has been passed down through generations and stressed the importance of addressing these issues. She expressed hope that as awareness grows, more individuals and institutions will engage in meaningful conversations to promote healing across the country.
Father Sigarara highlighted that many parish members have experienced the lasting effects of the 1987 coup and expressed the need for open dialogues about their pain. He stated, “It’s like a burden that holds us back from moving on,” and outlined his goal of guiding individuals in processing their trauma in a safe and supportive environment. The parish plans to launch a series of workshops next week, starting with a cohort of 30 participants.
This initiative reflects a growing commitment to community healing and reconciliation, offering a hopeful path forward for those impacted by historical trauma.
In summary, the collaborative efforts of government officials like Minister Kiran and community leaders like Father Sigarara signal a positive step towards healing and understanding, showing that addressing past wounds can pave the way for a healthier, more united future.
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