the kosovo crisis

Coping and Learning in Refugee Camps

By Amy Lynn O'Toole, Associate Writer

During the height of the conflict in Kosovo, CARE's Cegrane camp, the largest camp in Macedonia, was taking in nearly 2,000 refugees a day. Among those seeking shelter and safety in the camp was Bejtush, a 41-year-old teacher from Kosovo's capital of Pristina, who arrived with his wife and four children in April.

To help children deal with the psychological effects of their flight, CARE trained teachers like Bejtush to act as counselors.

Bejtush was one of 100 refugee teachers who participated in workshops conducted by a team of five psychologists and psychiatrists, focusing on techniques for recognizing the symptoms of traumatized children, helping them work through their emotions and helping teachers deal with their own experiences.

Using what he learned in the workshops, Bejtush became the director of a primary school that provided nearly 5,000 children with the opportunity to continue learning while living in the camp.

According to Bejtush, who has 19 years of teaching experience, the teachers and students were able to form closer bonds and to guide each other's healing process. The children were able to express their feelings however they felt most comfortable - through discussions, singing, painting, music or sports.

After leaving the camp to return home in August, Bejtush's school-age daughters, along with thousands of other students, had two months to catch up on any missed material before starting their new curriculum in November.

By the end of September, the population of the Cegrane camp had dwindled to just over 2,000 refugees and more than 95 percent of the teachers and children had returned home. CARE, however, is continuing to provide emergency relief in Macedonia.