Somalia: Graduation ceremony for the first bachelor cohort on social work degree program

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 23 July 2023 22:25

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Somalia: Graduation ceremony for the first bachelor cohort on social work degree program

On 16th July 2023, UNICEF had a joint graduation ceremony with 64 students who completed their 4yrs degree program at Somali National University, among 285 (55% girls) who graduated from 6 Universities across Somalia and Somaliland for the year 2022/

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On 16th July 2023, UNICEF had a joint graduation ceremony with 64 students who completed their 4yrs degree program at Somali National University, among 285 (55% girls) who graduated from 6 Universities across Somalia and Somaliland for the year 2022/2023. UNICEF collaborated with international professors of social work, academic Universities and ministries of Women and social affairs in Somaliland, Puntland and the Federal government to develop and deliver a world-class curriculum contextualized to the Somali context.

"UNICEF's commitment to investing in the education and development of social work students is a testament to their belief in the power of social work to create positive change in the lives of vulnerable children and families,” said by Professor Dahie, the Head of sociology and social work department of Somali National University. The federal Ministry of Women and Human Rights deputy minister, Mr. Abdihakim Jimale, also remarked on unwavering support from UNICEF and financial and technical support.

Social work students response to COVID19 — UNICEF/Ahmed

Through their study journey, social workers contributed to addressing the needs of communities affected by the different crisis; this includes their invaluable contribution to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 in raising awareness, disseminating accurate information, and promoting preventive measures have been instrumental in mitigating the spread of the virus, by providing psychosocial support to individuals and families impacted by the pandemic. In Puntland, social work students, with the help of the Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs (MOWDAFA) and UNICEF provided immediate crisis interventions to the people who fled from the Laascanod conflict earlier this year; this included the distribution of essential supplies, case management and emotional support to traumatized individuals, they have demonstrated the true essence of social work in times of emergency.

It is also remarkable the incredible response of the social work students in the aftermath of the devastating market fire incident in Waheen market in Hargeisa in 2022. Their swift action, dedication, and compassion have made a tremendous difference in supporting the individuals and families who have lost their livelihoods and belongings. Students also contributed to the drought response in the southern part of the country, providing immediate response to the emergency, conducting needs assessments, facilitating access to essential services, mobilizing resources and coordinating truly commendable relief efforts.

Social workers at Waheen market fire — UNICEF/Ahmed

UNICEF's aim in supporting social work programs was to strengthen the capacity of social workers, improving service delivery to vulnerable children and families, and advancing the professionalism of the social work sector. Through those collaborative efforts and generous contributions of donors like Denmark, Echo and SIDA, UNICEF, social workers, and Ministries of Women, Human Rights and social affairs are working together to promote the well-being and rights of children in Somalia.

Finally, UNICEF calls for collective action to humanitarian, development and government institutions to provide newly graduated and skilled students opportunities for practical placements and internships, empower these dedicated young graduates to contribute meaningfully to the social sector and gain invaluable hands-on experience.