Clown therapy seeks to help quake’s children

08/04/09 13:55 CET

world news

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As rescue efforts continue in central Italy following Monday’s earthquake, a team of clowns have arrived in L’Aquila to offer some moral support to displaced children.

While traditional psychologists are also on hand, the red-nosed therapists aim to use less conventional methods to cheer up the quake’s young survivors. One volunteer said: “We are hoping to mitigate this tragedy as much as possible. That is our aim. We are here for the children. We look after them during the day and try to amuse them as much as possible.’‘ Seen as an aid for overcoming trauma, clowns have also been used in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and the former Yugoslavia.More about: Earthquake, Italy

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

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