Overview
The Psychology and Cultures Interest Group is pleased to invite you to a free, 60-minute online discussion of the book, “The Girl Who Smiled Beads “. The book is Clemantine Wamariya's memoir of fleeing the Rwandan genocide as a six-year-old child, surviving six years across seven African countries, and the long aftermath of resettlement.
About the book
Wamariya's memoir is a powerful and deeply moving account of war, displacement, and the long road to safety and belonging. It offers an unflinching window into the trauma of conflict and the lived experience of refugees fleeing life-threatening situations and reminds us that the difficulties often continue long after arrival in a safer place, as people navigate cultural adjustment, acculturation, identity, and what it means to feel at home.
In a time of ongoing global conflict, this book is a timely invitation to think carefully – and humanely – about what our profession can offer those whose lives have been shaped by war.
About the author
Clemantine Wamariya is a storyteller and human rights advocate. Born in Kigali, Rwanda, she was displaced by conflict at the age of six and fled her home with her 15-year-old sister to escape being killed. She migrated through seven African countries before being granted refugee status in the United States at the age of twelve. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Yale University and now lives in San Francisco. Watch a short introduction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZIJeiWt8Uo
This PD activity aims to use a book review as a means of educating attendees about the experiences, trauma, and resilience of refugees. Through discussion and reflection, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the emotional, social, and cultural challenges faced by displaced individuals and families.
Before the session, we invite you to read the book and reflect on the following questions. They will guide our discussion.
Q1 How did the memoir deepen your understanding of war related trauma, both in its immediate impact and in the ways, it continues to shape an individual's life long after the atrocities have ended?
Q2 Clemantine was six years old and her sister Claire was fifteen, when they were both displaced. What does the memoir reveal about the different ways war and forced displacement disrupt the development of children and adolescents?
Q3 Before reaching safety, the sisters spent six years moving through seven African countries. What insights did the memoir provide about the pre-migration stressors refugees experience during their journey, and how might these experiences inform the way we listen to and work with refugee clients in the consulting room?
Q4 Much of Clemantine's distress emerges after resettlement, as she struggles to survive and find a sense of home. What does the memoir teach us about the post-migration challenges faced by refugees, and the ongoing importance of belonging, identity, and acculturation in the resettlement process?
The book is available from council libraries and all book retailers.
Notes
Target Audience
This event is aimed at early and mid-career psychologists
Please note:
- This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the venue details and zoom link) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
- A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, event-recording, and any additional resources shared during the session.
Duration of Access
This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.
CPD
It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.
The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.
If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.