The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commenced a capacity-building programme for Auxiliary Social Workers in Rivers State as part of efforts to strengthen community-based social welfare and child protection services.
The training, organised in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, is aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to provide social support, identify vulnerable individuals, and facilitate referrals to relevant services within their communities.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve the capacity of the state’s social welfare workforce and enhance the delivery of child protection and other essential social services at the grassroots.
Speaking during the training, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, urged participants to carry out their duties with professionalism, dedication, empathy and compassion.
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Davies-Dimkpa highlighted the important role of Auxiliary Social Workers in identifying social and child protection concerns at an early stage, supporting vulnerable families and children, and connecting those in need with appropriate government and community-based interventions.
She encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the programme in their communities, while adhering to principles of confidentiality, respect, integrity and professionalism.
The Permanent Secretary also commended UNICEF for its continued collaboration with the state government and its support for efforts to strengthen social welfare and child protection systems in Rivers State.
The training is expected to improve the ability of Auxiliary Social Workers to respond to the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities, while contributing to a more effective and responsive social welfare system across the state.
