Rebuilding Relationships: Raksha Bandhan

On 13^th morning SHAFA residents observed a new day filled with gaiety and colour. It was festival of Raksha Bandhan which is celebrated to reaffirm the relationship of a sister and brother, the pledge of a brother to safeguard his sister and the sister in turn prays to God for a better life of his brother. This small thread of Rakhi is considered stronger than iron chains as it binds the most beautiful relationship in an inseparable bond of love and trust. Rakhi festival also has a social significance because it underlines the notion that everybody should live in harmonious coexistence with each other. An addict in his past life had ignored all relations be it sister, mother or wife. For him his drug was everything. But when he comes to SHAFA he starts valuing each relation and understands importance of the same.  In SHAFA the day started with sharing with residents regarding the importance of this festival. A new hope was instilled in family members. Families of residents came to SHAFA home to be a part of this festival. Elderly family members gave blessing to residents for a better life. Resident became emotional seeing the view of sisters coming in and tying holy thread Rakhi on their hand. They could not believe that after all that they have done with their family members, while they were high on drugs, their family members still loved and cared about them. It was also a rejuvenating feeling for new members who joined SHAFA family recently.

It was a day of rebuilding relationships and healing feelings which were lost somewhere in the journey till Shafa.

IN HOUSE ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Shafa has always believed in providing ‘training –on- job’ for its staff for their skills up gradation and development. So when one of our staff, Rupin, returned from his training in SELF, Philippines

With new and fresh ideas, he was asked to conduct a training program to orient the staff members, regarding the treatment procedures adopted by SELF organization. SHAFA from day one is open to changes, which its members bring in with themselves. Here the endeavor was on how SHAFA‘s existing program can inculcate new concepts to enhance its TC program. On day one of the training program, Rupin gave an overview of the TC program mythology adopted at SELF. His presentation reflected a picture, in respect to similarities and differences both organizations have in terms of treatment modalities. 

On second day he focused on Behavior Shaping Tools which are brought under practice in the SELF organization. These tools were appraised by staff members. He also shared regarding the 4 stages (self discovery, self formation, self direction, personal integration) which are divided into 20 months treatment program. He also highlighted the staff patterns and structure hierarchy, which integrates in best possible manner for the overall development of residents and their stable recovery.