ICEC’s support of children, teachers and schools provides an opportunity for the international community to make a significant contribution to the reestablishment of the social fabric of children’s everyday lives. This effort is of critical importance for traumatized children who live in regions of armed conflict or where catastrophic events have taken place. In response to the recommendations of The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child and psychiatrists and mental health workers whose research and clinical practice emphasizes the importance of traumatized children’s participation in joyful learning environments ICEC supports:

1. Establishing schools as safe, joyful places for children and teachers; and
2. Ensuring that schools are nurturing and fun environments;
3. Reestablishing the social and community life disrupted by catastrophic events;
4. Recognizing the importance of heritage and national identity;
5. Promoting children’s health and well being by providing them with opportunities to sing, dance and play;
6. Enhancing academic learning through literacy activities, art and science projects, and other meaning making practices.

The graphics which follow illustrate the work of ICEC and the interconnectedness of each area of concern presented above.