Children-Volunteers Relationship Workshop in MAHAK

In the interest of providing the most hospitable environment for children under treatment, MAHAK has various programs some of which are managed essentially by volunteers.  In this vein, volunteers of children Relationship division, after taking necessary training courses and passing related assessments, take responsibility of accompanying children in MAHAK and other hospitals during the phases of the treatment in conjunction with experts of MAHAK’s psychology department.  They are present in play rooms and help create a happy environment for children during treatment to help them remain children, giving them hope and conviction, preventing them from becoming reclusive, and thus assisting them in maximizing their chances for recovery and returning to normal life afterwards.

As children with cancer develop severe psychological and physical problems during the challenging intensive treatment period, the volunteers who are eager to work in MAHAK need to pass training courses on “How to deal with a child with cancer?” The next phase is children-volunteers relationship assessment and its associated feedback which are essential to measure the volunteers’ job performance, determining whether his or her skill set is appropriately matched to the needs of children and to MAHAK’s related activities.  Mentioned tests were held on August 16, 2013 with presence of 300 volunteers in cooperation with volunteer and support services department.  Volunteers are people of all walks of life – high school and college students, working professionals, retirees, etc. united by an ability and volition to give more than they are asked according to their expertise and skills.  In company with experts in psychology department, by implementing play therapy mechanisms such as painting, music, storytelling, drama, games, etc. during treatment period, they provide the patients and their families with some peace, mental wellbeing and general welfare.  After passing complimentary courses, admitted applicants passing this test can start their activities.

Earlier on August 2nd, training classes were held for participants in this assessment.  In these sessions various topics such as social and mental needs of children with cancer, play therapy, familiarity with stages of coping with reality of child’s disease for parents and etc. were discussed.  The results of this test will be announced later.

MAHAK appreciates all companions who help us every which way in realization of our goals in support of children with cancer.