“This course gave me confidence to put theory into practice,” said Ms. Singarayan  Rosarigo who successfully completed the psychosocial training programme.  Like her, 45 other psychosocial workers were awarded certificates after the completion of a one year training on April 3 in Trincomalee. It was initiated by the psychosocial unit of Caritas Sri Lanka(CSL) – SEDEC and Caritas Trincomalee – EHED, through the mediation of the Mental Health Department(MHD). The 12 module course was conducted by Dr. T Gadambanathan, the Technical Advisor of the CENT psychiatrist Mental Health Unit, Trincomalee on the recommendation of Mrs Hiranthi De Silva of MHD. This course will enable participants to pursue their higher studies in the field.

Singarayan Rosarigo joined Caritas Trincomalee–EHED as a psychosocial worker in 2002. The training has enabled to carry out her work more efficiently, “I was empowered to empower people,” she adds. As at February, 590 psychosocial workers have received training and 8660 people have been supported for their psychosocial needs.

The chief guest Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando, National Director of CSL – SEDEC Addressing the event, said “though these psychosocial workers have weathered many problems themselves, they are committed to uplift the downtrodden. He also mentioned that this certificate course should be initiated in other diocese too.”

Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier, Diocesan Director of Caritas Trincomalee - EHED, Rev. Sr. Fatimanayaki A.C. National Psychosocial Coordinator, National and Diocesan Staff of the Tsunami Programme and Dr. E.G Gnanagunalan, Regional Director of Health Services, were also present for the ceremony