Project RESCUER: Reopening Schools & Sustaining Children in Universal Education by Enhancing Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic had brought about significant disruptions to social structures, economic activities, and political dimensions worldwide. In response, it became imperative to approach the crisis as a "Natural Disaster," acknowledging its potential to upend existing orders. In this context, mental health professionals emphasize the need for interventions that extend beyond addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children to encompass a range of mental health issues stemming from deprivation, depression, and grief.

Project RESCUER aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various interventions, including Behavioral Activation (BA) and Grief and Trauma Intervention (GTI), in enhancing the psychological well-being of children affected by the pandemic. Specifically, it sought to compare the impact of BA implemented by teachers, BA implemented by counsellors, and different GTI models. Additionally, the project aimed to explore the feasibility of trauma-focused interventions as universal interventions in Indian schools.

The study involved school-based interventions conducted in collaboration with mental health professionals and educational institutions. Participants were students of the 6th-grade and their parents, excluding those deemed unsuitable for group participation due to health reasons. The interventions were carefully designed and implemented, with pre- and post-treatment evaluations conducted to assess outcomes.

Interventions included BA implemented by both teachers and counsellors, as well as GTI sessions focusing on coping skills enhancement and cognitive narration. These interventions were tailored to fit within school schedules and address the unique needs of participants.

Project RESCUER represents a collaborative effort to address the mental health needs of children affected by the pandemic and support their reintegration into the educational system. By evaluating various interventions and their impact, the project aimed to inform evidence-based practices and contribute to the resilience of children in the face of adversity.