El arbol de la vida

PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING SERIES

Psychosocial Wellbeing For All Children

REPSSI

The Tree of life methodology with Narrative therapy ideas was developed by Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo (REPSSI) and David Denborough (Dulwich Centre Institute of Community Practice www.dulwichcentre.com.au)

This publication has been funded by REPSSI and developed for the benefit of REPSSI partners to support them intheir endeavour to provide psychosocial care and support to children affected by HIV and AIDS, Poverty and Conflict in East and Southern Africa.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments Who is REPSSI? What is the Tree of Life? Groups benefitting from Tree of Life Levels of Psychological Support Systems (PSS) For which age range of children is Tree of Life suitable? Who is the target audience forthis manual? How long is the Tree of Life process? What you will need for the Tree of Life process Notes to the facilitator Safety considerations The use of culturally appropriate metaphors Linking the counselling process to the daily lives and support structures of children How to work with children on the Tree of Life Introducing children to the tree of life exercise PART 1 - TREE OF LIFE EXERCISEChildren draw & share their trees Roots of the tree The Ground Trunk of the tree Branches of the tree Leaves of the tree Fruits 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 8 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 4 5 6 6

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PART 2 - FOREST OF LIFE The Retelling PART 3 - STORM OF LIFE Animals in the forest Taking lessons home Linking children back to their families & communities PART 4 - CERTIFICATES & TREE OF LIFE SONG Preservingour beautiful trees ENERGISERS CREATIVE COMMONS 34 35 39 30 31 32 26

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ACKOWLEDGEMENTS
Anne Hope and Sally Timmel published a version of the Tree of Life exercise in 1984 in their book: 'Training for transformation: A handbook for community workers, Book 1.' Mambo Press, Senga Press, Senga Road, Generu. The version described in this manual was developed by Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo (REPSSI) andDavid Denborough (Dulwich Centre Institute of Community Practice). Sincere appreciation goes to the Dulwich team, David Denborough, Michael White, Cheryl White and Shona Russell, for their encouragement and guidance throughout the development and shaping of The Tree of Life project. The Tree of Life methodology with Narrative ideas was first published in the International journal of NarrativeTherapy and Community Work in 2006. Many thanks go to the Salvation Army Masiye Camp team for its openness and willingness to share their experiences and challenges of working with distressed children. These experiences provided the impetus and motivation which led to the development of the Tree of Life methodology tool. Many thanks also go to the children who willingly shared their stories andexperiences. They have influenced the outcome of the Tree of Life tool. Sincere appreciation goes to Hope World Wide South Africa and its staff and counsellors who displayed amazing enthusiasm in embracing new ideas as a demonstration of their desire to provide meaningful support to the children and communities that they serve. Substantive input for the REPSSI publication of the Tree of life was providedby Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, Jonathan Morgan, Noreen Huni and other colleagues within REPSSI.

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WHO IS REPSSI?
REPSSI is a regional non governmental organisation (NGO) working with partners to promote psychosocial care and support (PSS) for children affected by HIV and AIDS, poverty and conflict in East and Southern Africa. REPSSI was established in 2001, and commenced operations in 2002, asan initiative with funding from SIDA, SDC and Novartis. In 2005 REPSSI became registered as a non governmental organisation. REPSSI as an organisation clearly understands that the most appropriate and sustainable psychosocial care and support for young children is provided in caring relationships in everyday life, at home, at school and in the community. Externally provided assistance needs to...