kosovo

SERVING SOCIETY BY STRENGTHENING THE INDIVIDUAL

Art of Living Service Programs

Kosovo - Trauma Relief

The Kosovo Ministry of Health asked the Art of Living Foundation to lead
Art of Living Courses to mental health professionals in Kosovo. More than
100 nurses, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, psycho-social advisors
and social workers employed in 7 Mental Health centers have taken the
workshop. Based on their positive experiences, the Ministry of Health
asked all the Mental Health Workers throughout Kosovo's Mental Health
centers and hospitals to take the workshop to help deal with their own
stress and prevent burnout.

Art of Living courses have been very helpful to Kosovars, where there is
an 80% rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the general population,
a very high rate of depression and suicide,

Art of Living courses for trauma relief are offered free to torture victims,
massacre witnesses and disabled KLA veterans. The workshop was
given to the Indian Special Police Unit stationed in Kosovo. Art of Living
volunteers traveled to primitive areas giving counseling under unusual
circumstances. The volunteers stay inspired by the incredible
transformations seen in these war-traumatized victims. The Art of Living
5-H Program in Kosovo has delivered food and clothing to needy
families. Volunteers are working with UN Civil administrators to clean up
areas.

Staff, Peja Mental Health Center, Kosovo

breathing techniques than from weeks of
and I felt rejuvenated."

-- Dr Henrijeta Pula, Psychologist,
Mental Health Center, Djakove, Kosovo

"The course brought me satisfaction. I felt
re-energised and serene and truly happy."

-- Dr Shykran Shala, Psychologist,
Mental health Center, Prizren, Kosovo

Every nurse should have this knowledge."

"As medical workers, we are influenced by mental problems of our patients who live in poor
conditions without proper care. With the Art of Living knowledge, I find I can deal with the
problems of patients with greater ease and better than before."
-- Vjollca
Mental Health worker, Peja Mental Health Center, Kosovo

"I was seriously wounded while I served as KLA soldier during the war. My leg was
amputated and I was left with many psychological problems like insomnia, flashbacks,
irritability, anger, and depression. Through the Association for Disabled KLA veterans, I
found out about the Art of Living program and I took the course. Since then I feel more
centered, peaceful and more satisfied. I have experienced that I am not just this body,
but something much more."

"I myself took the Art of Living Healing Breath
Workshop, together with 14 high rank officers
on 30 May 2003. I felt increased energy,
alertness and happiness. I have also seen
that the officers who took the Workshop with
me, reported increase energy level, mental
clarity and feeling of inner peace."

-- Colonel K K Shivaprasad
Contingent Commander
UN Interim Administration Mission
in Kosovo

More than 600 UN police officers
have taken the Art of Living
program in Kosovo