Learning From Malawi: An International Partnership to Support a Trauma-Sensitive University-Assisted Rural Community School

• In Event: Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Learning From Malawi: An International Partnership to Support a Trauma-Sensitive University-Assisted Rural Community School

Abstract

This paper, presented by collaborators from Malawi and the U.S., presents data from community-based participatory research with a primary school in Malawi that serves three rural villages. Data from interviews and discussions with village chiefs, community members, and school staff informs the development of a university-assisted trauma-sensitive community school. Exploring how the school capitalizes on community strengths and addresses student and community needs through active partnerships with families and community leaders provides valuable information for American schools. Exploring how the trauma-sensitive community schools model that was developed with American schools was adapted for rural Malawi also highlights areas of community development that could be adopted in the U.S. to support rural development through a community school model.

Authors

• Lisa Blitz, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Denise G. Yull, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Henock Banda, Malawi Children's Mission Academy