Everywhere and constantly human beings are subject to terrible violence—be it natural or manmade. It has happened in New Orleans, New York, India, Iraq, Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia, Ivory Coast. But long after infrastructures have been reconstructed, after the war criminals have been brought to justice, the question remains—can people heal, and if so, how?

The Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma has spent 25 years caring for the health and mental needs of survivors of mass violence and torture through a combined practice of clinical experience and medical research. This Program shows us a new way of helping people overcome their pain: people have an inherent ability to heal themselves. And the lessons we can learn from the survivors of such trials and extreme situations can even teach us how to cope better with everyday life.

Since 2005 HPRT Director Richard Mollica has held, together with other 15 international acclaimed experts, Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Certificate Program. This is offering a learning experience addressing the needs of traumatized persons and communities worldwide. The course is held every November for two weeks at Porano, near Orvieto, followed by 5 months on the internet. This is the occasion when Italian students have the chance to meet Mollica and his team .