Why "Stormbirds"?
Stormbirds have learnt to adapt to natural events, flying to safety in the face of disaster.
The focus of this program is to support children and young people in processing experiences of change, loss, and uncertainty following natural disasters or major community event. A key aspect is helping tamariki to realise they are not alone (“I’m not the only one”), enhancing their sense of belonging and recovery.
Stormbirds is generally offered to children and young people from 3 to 12 months following the natural disaster.
The program has been named after a bird of the same name, also known as the Eastern Koel, which is known to have a distinctive call and arrives in a region close to the beginning of the storm season.
Stormbirds has supported over 10,000 children and young people in Australia and New Zealand following bushfires, floods, droughts, cyclones, storms, monsoons,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes and tsunamis.
How does it work?
Stormbirds was developed in 2009 and is embedded in the foundational principles of the well-researched and successful Seasons for Growth education program. Stormbirds contains similar concepts and exercises and focuses on the skills of emotional literacy and building resilience and the opportunity to develop positive relationships with peers and trusted adults.
Childhood Studies provide the foundational discipline for the programs, reminding us to respect the dignity and self-worth of all children and young people and emphasising the importance of young people’s active participation and ‘voice’, as an ‘expert’ in their own experience, with the linchpin of the program as the quality of the learning experience, based on conversations with and between the young people.
What do participants learn in the program?
Stormbirds has four sessions (50-60 minutes) and the content of each session reflects key themes for the children and young people as they process their experience and learn knowledge and skills to support their recovery. The program has a sound curriculum structure and incorporates a wide range of age-appropriate activities, including writing, drawing, discussion, stories, role plays, music, guided meditation and journaling.
Session 1: Learn that change and loss are part of life
Session 2: Learn about feelings and responses
Session 3: Learn about memories and support
Session 4: Wings of Hope: Ritual of Closure and review of the learning
Program Outcomes:
Children and young people:
- Learn about the changes they experience as a result of a natural disaster
- Learn that their reactions associated with the natural disaster are natural and normal
- Learn skills for coping, problem-solving and decision-making
- Build relationships with peers and trusted adults for support
- Build their self-confidence and self-esteem
How is the program structured?
Stormbirds is a small group program (4-7 participants) developed with children and young people invited to attend the age-appropriate program level.
Who can deliver Stormbirds?
Stormbirds is delivered by one adult facilitator or ‘Companion’.
Companions may be teachers, counsellors, psychologist, social workers, chaplains, health professionals who undertake a one-day training workshop.
All Companions must be endorsed by their school/agency ensuring the appropriate state or territory child protection requirements.
