By Zainab Oyekan
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), have trained 30 social workers on Gender Based Violence (GBV) management in Plateau.
Adama Yusuf, National Programme Officer, UNFPA on Friday in Jos, explained that the 5-Day training, was in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry for Women Affairs.
Yusuf said the social workers were trained on GBV Concepts, Case Management, Mental Health and Psychosocial Services.
He noted that the project became imperative as a result of the recurrent crises on the Plateau, which were exposing many people to all forms of GBV.
He explained that the 30 social workers were drawn from Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos local government areas (LGAs), of the state.
He said GBV survivors would be given dignity kits, and also provided with a safe place in Bokkos so that they could access health, legal, social and security services.
Also, speaking during the training, the Chief Executive Officer of RHHF, Mr Olusoji Sogunro said that the objective of the training was to increase the knowledge and understanding of 30 social workers on underlying causes and risk factors associated with GBV.
Sogunro added that the training would also enhance the capacity and techniques of the social workers in providing comprehensive case management services to survivors.
He said in addition to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), trainees would also develop competencies in providing counselling techniques, coping strategies, and self-care practices for the GBV survivors.
Plateau Commissioner for Women Affairs, Miss Caroline Dafur, commended the organisers of the training, and assured them that the trained social workers would offer emotional support to victims of GBV in the state.
Some participants, who were enthusiastic about the benefits of the training, said they were ready to go back to the field to practice what they had learned.
Mr Stephen Andrew, a social worker from Bokkos, said he had learned how to connect with victims of GBV, and also how to do proper documentation of cases.
Mr Kopdi Bakwo, from Mangu, said he had learned to listen more to victims and to do proper referrals of their basic needs.
Mr Stephen Maneha, from Barkin Ladi said that he had learned how to counsel victims of GBV and also how to administer first aid to them.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training, which commenced on Monday, ended on Friday with the presentation of certificates to all participants. NAN
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
