Partnership for Trauma-Informed Care Training in Nigeria

The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center has announced a strategic partnership with The Pocket Project and the Institute for Global Integral Competence e.V. to launch an ambitious initiative focused on providing trauma-informed care and training across Nigeria. This collaboration aims to equip a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including community leaders, youth leaders, religious and traditional leaders, mental health professionals, psychologists, social workers, policymakers, government officials involved in social cohesion, civil society organizations, NGOs working on peacebuilding, academics, researchers, media representatives, and influencers—with the skills and knowledge necessary to address trauma and foster social cohesion in Nigeria.

The initiative recognizes that Nigeria faces significant social challenges rooted in conflict, violence, economic hardship, and political instability. These issues often leave communities and individuals traumatized, which hampers efforts toward peace, development, and social harmony. Trauma-informed care is essential in addressing these wounds, as it emphasizes understanding, compassion, and empowerment, enabling leaders and professionals to better support affected populations. The training program will focus on equipping participants with practical skills to recognize trauma symptoms, deliver appropriate interventions, and promote resilience within their communities.

The partnership underscores the importance of a multi-sectoral approach. Community, religious, and traditional leaders play a pivotal role in shaping societal attitudes and responses to trauma, making their involvement crucial. Similarly, mental health professionals, psychologists, and social workers will gain specialized training to enhance their capacity to provide effective support. Policymakers and government officials involved in social cohesion will learn strategies to integrate trauma-informed practices into policy frameworks, ensuring sustainability and broader impact. Civil society organizations and NGOs working on peacebuilding will benefit from tools to facilitate healing and reconciliation processes, vital for long-term stability.

Academics and researchers will be engaged to evaluate and improve trauma care initiatives, ensuring evidence-based practices are adopted. Media representatives and influencers are also included to amplify awareness, challenge stigma, and promote narratives of healing and resilience across Nigeria. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a culture of understanding and empathy, which is fundamental in healing societal divisions and promoting peace.

The training sessions will be conducted through workshops, seminars, and practical activities designed to be accessible and impactful. The partnership emphasizes capacity-building, ensuring that participants are not only educated but also empowered to implement trauma-informed practices within their spheres of influence. The project also aims to develop sustainable networks among stakeholders for ongoing support and knowledge sharing.

Overall, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s complex trauma landscape through education, empowerment, and community engagement. By integrating trauma-informed care into various sectors and empowering key leaders, the initiative strives to promote social cohesion, resilience, and peacebuilding efforts across Nigeria. It highlights the importance of a unified response to trauma, recognizing that healing and reconciliation require collective action from diverse sectors of society. The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center, The Pocket Project, and the Institute for Global Integral Competence e.V. are poised to make a significant impact through this innovative and inclusive approach to peace and trauma recovery.