12 December 2008 - New generation of social workers graduates in Southern SudanForty-seven new social workers graduated today from the College of Community Studies and Rural Development of the University of Juba in Southern Sudan, after undertaking a six month in-service training programme with the Government of Southern Sudan's Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs, supported by UNICEF. The social workers, part of a total cadre of 75 students, are from all ten states of Southern Sudan and were nominated by their state’s Ministry of Social Development. As a result of the training provided, these social workers will be able to provide assistance to more than 400 vulnerable children across the ten states. Through the training, the social workers were equipped with theory of social work, childhood and development, working with children, ethical issues, case management, assessment methods, forms of intervention, counselling and practical methods to respond to child rights violations. The students were also educated on national and international legal child rights frameworks, touching upon issues pertaining to protection of children and their particular relevance to the situation of children in Southern Sudan. The programme also covered institutionalization of children, the juvenile justice system, children with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, child marriage, child soldiers, child abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence against children. By the end of the course, social workers will have improved capacities to prepare and response to the challenges of the social work profession. UNICEF has provided more than US$ 600,000 to meet the costs of boarding fees and learning materials for the 75 students, along with support for lecturers and logistical costs. “The training of these social workers provides the basis for a firm network of social protection for the children of Southern Sudan in all ten states,” said Her Excellency Mary Kiden Kimbo, the Minister for Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs of the Government of Southern Sudan. “The training has proven to be cost effective and will create opportunities for training additional social workers and other related staff with a relevant curricula,” she added. Southern Sudan is experiencing a shortage of trained social workers and the partnership between UNICEF, the Government of Southern Sudan and the University of Juba is the first ever of its kind since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. “This is a valuable and sustainable partnership that UNICEF is keen to build on, to enhance social protection capacity and effectively create an environment where the children of Southern Sudan can thrive,” said Peter Crowley, the Director of Operations for UNICEF’s Southern Sudan Area Programme. The Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Juba and UNICEF in April 2008, which initially sets out to provide training for 00 social workers nominated by the State Ministries of Social Development.
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