Mourning of catastrophe victims begins in schools and workplaces

Asian disaster also distresses those who do not have loved ones missing

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With Christmas holidays ending this week for many Finns, the grieving process for the victims of the natural disaster in South and Southeast Asia is just beginning at many Finnish schools, workplaces, and day care centres.
      Finns from more than 40 municipalities are missing in the disaster, and the sorrow is a common feature, especially in smaller communities where people tend to know each other better than in larger cities.
      "Of course this affects everyone", says Riitta Kaajava, pastor at the Finnish Lutheran Congregation of the largely Swedish-speaking community of Sipoo on Finland's south coast.
      An entire family is missing in the area, and the congregation is prepared to offer help for the feelings of grief and anguish.
      "Listening and being there", as Kaajava puts it.
     
Crisis counselling has been needed in all parts of Finland, especially at workplaces where colleagues are missing or have been seriously injured in the disaster.
      In addition to one-on-one therapy, there have been group sessions under the name of "debriefing". Occupational psychologist Erkki Kuivasniemi of Medivire Occupational Health Services explains:
      "It is a common session during which it is possible to discuss thoughts that the event has prompted. People can talk to each other", Kuivasniemi describes.
      "They are voluntary and confidential", he emphasises.
     
Discussions are also needed at workplaces that have been directly involved in dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.
      "We still have an exceptional situation", says Anu-Eveliina Mattila, head of communications at the tour operator Finnmatkat.
      The company sent professionals to Thailand to support its staff in that country while the evacuation process was still underway. Staff based in Finland have also had access to psychologists.
      "Now the aftercare is starting up."
      Mattila says that coping with the situation is made easier by knowing that everyone did their best.
      "There were not enough of us to go around, we didn't always do everything well, but we have done everything that we could."
     
In many parts of Finland, schools start next week, and many children are staying at home from day care this week.
      Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen has urged schools to prepare to confront empty desks in the classroom.
      The Ministry of Education and the National Board of Education recommend that schools hold a moment of silence on Tuesday, January 11th at 10:00 in the morning, unless a similar observance has been held before that.
      Schools have been given instructions on how to handle the event. However, these guidelines might not necessarily be sufficient, if pupils, staff, or their friends or relatives are among the injured, missing, or dead.
      Schools will have to work together with professional helpers and with homes. School counselling services are to be made available to parents as well.
     
The horrific news has caused anguish even among those who do not know anyone who has been affected.
      "When we hear news that entire families are missing, or that only one member of a large family has survived, it can cause anguish even to an outsider", points out Hannu-Pekka Laiho, head of communications at the Finnish Red Cross.
      Many have called the Red Cross hotline to talk about their feelings.
      Some have sought comfort in bringing candles to cemeteries, or to the front yard of the house in Sipoo where the entire family is listed as missing.
      Some have found the publication of lists of names of the missing to be distressing.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Schools ponder classroom strategy for dealing with Asian disaster (3.1.2005)
  Last evacuation flight from Thailand arrives in Helsinki (3.1.2005)

Helsingin Sanomat