The present devastating world situation

Henry Maier

The current destructive events in the world make it necessary for me to examine some of the difficulties before us. From day to day we do not know how terrifying this war will become. Still far removed from our care receivers' and our own lives, it is seemingly on our doorstep, as we are bombarded by every newscast, TV, radio program, and the headlines in each day's paper.

The youngsters must be frightened and ending up with over-simplified conclusions about what's going on. I hope you can discuss with them the present bloody crisis. It affects them and their families as well as you yourselves in your own community. In the USA, Canada and other parts of the United Kingdom, Africa, and other corners of the world community we cannot act as if our lives and each person's future remain unaffected by the ongoing conflict.

I know it's difficult to talk and share anxieties about these confusing times, but the children you serve need to explore with you their fears and thinking, as well as yours, about the present conflict and the varying strong opinions held. Right now the world community is very deeply split about the impact of war. It will be important that each child talk freely about his or her feelings and attitudes in order to clarify for themselves some of their own uncertainties.

This is a time in which each person has to sort out his or her thoughts and to express them openly. Careworkers would be the natural reflectors for that exploration because they represent a safe, sturdy, reassuring figure, especially in this very anxious time.

Good luck, and courage for this new challenge.