Book Helps Professionals Work with Survivors of African Armed Conflicts

NASW Press Publishes Resource to Address a New Trend in Immigration

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thousands of immigrants come to the United States every year, and each person faces unique problems in adjusting to life in this country. But the challenges experienced by those who have survived the armed conflicts raging in Africa over the last two decades are unique. These conflicts have scarred millions physically and psychologically, and they have propelled thousands to begin new lives far away from the terror.

Social workers, and others working in the helping professions, face unprecedented challenges in aiding survivors of armed conflicts in Africa and need special resources to learn about and assist this population. To meet this need, Joanne Corbin, PhD, MSS, has edited Children and Families Affected by Armed Conflicts in Africa, a book that aims to enhance the knowledge of helping professionals who work with these survivors. She has collected essays from practitioners who have worked with populations affected by armed conflicts, specifically in Uganda and Rwanda.

“The book grew out of dialogue with U.S.-based and African practitioners who have worked with children and families affected by armed conflict,” says Corbin. “It is important that practitioners understand the experiences these individuals bring to social services, health services, and educational settings—and reflect on culturally informed and syntonic ways of providing assistance.”

She says that men, women, and children faced torture; mutilation; rape; impressment; genocide; and loss of livelihood, home, and property. The toll on their lives has been unimaginable. 

Corbin’s contributors discuss the political, economic, cultural, social, and spiritual impact of such trauma. Their essays detail the experiences of armed conflict survivors, explain how African practitioners have assisted these populations, and explore how that knowledge can be applied by helping professionals in the United States.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with nearly 145,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.

NASW Press is a leading scholarly press in the social sciences. It serves faculty, practitioners, agencies, libraries, clinicians, and researchers throughout the United States and abroad. Known for attracting expert authors, the NASW Press delivers professional information to hundreds of thousands of readers through its scholarly journals, books, and reference works.