I first visited Sarajevo in Bosnia with Phoenix-Aid in November 2006, returned in July 2007 and made 2 trips in 2008.  Although their war ended in 1995 , many Bosnian have been left with injuries both physical and mental while many are still traumatised, having lost their whole families as well as having been brutalised during the conflict.  Although I was drawn to work there as a therapist it didn't feel quite right because you worked for 2 weeks and then came home.  The charities who facilitated this were excellent but there was nobody there all year round so that the clients would be left again and I wasn't comfortable with this.

 

When I read an article in my professional magazine about the work that Phoenix-Aid does I immediately offered my services.  There are two parts to Phoenix-Aid, one is therapies and training and this is what attracted me.  They ask for volunteers to teach their skills to the Bosnian nationals as well as work in the care homes and on individuals.  They have already taught the students basic therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage as well as Reiki, Quantum touch etc and next year hope to have their Institute set up for the students to acquire International qualifications in the therapies so that they can earn their living if they wish.  I worked with Karen Jane Tinker, the director in charge of therapies and teaching.

 

I found it an amazing experience to teach there.  The students are so open and keen to learn.  It was an experience to work with interpreters and each has their own style.  In November, seven students completed their Metamorphic technique course.  In July  we had 19, which was wonderful.  In November the course has been at the end of a very intense time of learning and consolidating and many fell by the wayside so this year we made sure that they were fresher.  They loved Metamorphic technique and could see the relevance of it to their lives and their transformation.

 

I also taught 3 sessions of sound healing which were incredibly powerful.  I said that I would just be sharing what I have learned over the years, it was not a certificate course.  However 15 students came to the first session, even more the second morning and some actually joined in for the third session on the Friday evening.  They loved it and found it so easy.  It also empowered them that they could send healing to their city, their country as well as working on individuals. 

 

I was asked whether it was possible to sent sound healing to those who had died and obviously said that yes, would they like to try?  The response was instantaneous so I set the note and off we went.  As the sound swelled I opened my eyes and looked at these lovely people, singing their hearts out with tears trickling down their faces.  Afterwards several shared that they had seen the faces of the loved ones they had lost, smiling and happy where before they could only remember the anguish of their broken bodies etc.  It was incredibly moving and they went on to say that the previous day had been a Day of National Mourning for the 8,000 people who had been killed in one day at Srebenica.  I am just so pleased to have been able to offer them something they can use in their daily lives to help themselves and others.

 

Each trip costs me £650 and they want me back in March 2008 to teach at the SOS Children's villages, to teach the house mothers so that they can work with the children in their care.  If you can help or know anyone who can help me raise the money I would be very grateful.  I am also working to raise funds for Phoenix-Aid itself.  The teaching/therapy side has to pay the rent on the premises where we live and teach and see our clients and use as our general base as well as all the usual outgoings.  The electric bill is quite high because the washing machine is in constant use with all the clean towels needed for clients!

 

There is a second side to Phoenix-Aid which is run by the founder Sarah Greenwood.  She is a Yorkshire farmer who has set up the Riding for the Disabled scheme which is now hosted by Land of Peace also Equine Facilitated learning therapy which is very beneficial for people struggling with severe emotional, behavioural and anti-social difficulties, again now hosted by Land of Peace.  Phoenix-Aid looks for opportunities to help the local people with support and advice and putting them in touch with advisors and agencies who can continue the work.  Sarah has visited and advised farmers how to improve their milk yields and crop productivity while still working with their age old skills and hopefully providing more work for those who want to continue to work on the land.

 

Unemployment is around 40% which means that everyone who is working is supporting a large group of others who cannot earn as there seems to be little social security.

 

Enough of that!  I loved my time in Bosnia and really want to return.  It is a wonderful feeling to know that you have made a difference in people's lives  If you are a therapist and would like to know more about offering your services  or would just like to learn more please click on the Phoenix-Aid or Karen’s sites. 

 

Karen Jane Tinker

Phoenix Aid