At Coptic Orphans, our mission to transform lives through holistic education and support took a significant leap forward. By addressing the challenges faced by our communities, we ensure that children and families receive the tools they need for a brighter, freer future. One such initiative under the program is our groundbreaking training on “Recovery from Pornography Addiction,” which has already started transforming lives.
Why This Training Matters
Pornography addiction, often ignored or misunderstood, can have devastating effects on individuals and families. Recognizing this, we took a proactive step. Through focus groups and extensive collaboration with the volunteer reps, we identified this pressing issue as a growing challenge among youth. Our goal was not just to address the addiction but to provide a path to recovery grounded in spiritual, psychological, social, and physical health. Inspired by the verse from John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” the training embraced the theme “And You Shall Be Free.”
A Holistic Approach to Recovery
The training was designed to equip the children with tools to recognize and overcome addiction. It delved into the addiction cycle, exploring its stages—from curiosity and compulsion to shame and depression—and provided practical steps for recovery, such as:
- Preparing the Mind: Identifying and avoiding triggers.
- Modifying the Environment: Altering physical spaces associated with addictive behaviors.
- Redirecting the Imagination: Engaging in positive activities like art, sports, or community service.
Sensitive to cultural and societal taboos, we utilized innovative games and interactive activities to engage participants in an open and supportive environment.
Measuring the Impact
Understanding the significance of measurable outcomes, we implemented tools to evaluate the training’s effectiveness. The results were astounding:
- Behavioral Changes: 31% of the children developed a clear understanding of addiction, while 33% confidently began asserting themselves with a simple “No” to temptations.
- Increased Understanding: 65% of the volunteer Reps demonstrated heightened awareness of the dangers and impacts of pornography addiction.
- New Skills: Nearly half of the Reps reported gaining practical methods to guide participants toward recovery.
- Broader Reach: Volunteer Reps shared their training with over 6,700 individuals outside of Coptic Orphans, amplifying the impact across communities.
Voices of Change
The feedback from participants and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive. One young participant shared, “I realized I can break free from anything, no matter how strong its hold on me.” Another remarked, “This workshop helped me replace bad habits with positive ones that truly benefit my life.”
Leaders in the church community, such as Father Abanoub Shehata, praised the program for addressing such a critical issue with sensitivity and scientific rigor. Coptic Orphans Field Coordinators also noted a shift in the children’s behavior, with many seeking supportive individuals to guide them on their journey to freedom.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to address the challenges facing our communities, we are inspired by the resilience and courage of the children, families, and volunteers involved in the Not Alone Program. Our commitment remains steadfast: to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to overcome life’s obstacles.
We invite you, our generous donors, to join us in this transformative mission. Together, we can expand the reach of these vital programs and ensure that no one feels alone on their journey to recovery and growth.
Thank you for making this possible. Together, we are changing lives.