From 6 to 8 October 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided psychosocial training for camp coordinators and managers and community and religious leaders in Maiduguri, capital city of Borno State. The training was provided with funding from the French and German governments and is part of capacity-building activities aimed at empowering key national and local actors promoting the psychosocial wellbeing of internally displaced persons in Nigeria.

The forty (40) participants at the training included internally displaced men and women who provide leadership in the camps as well as staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Ministry of Health and the national and state emergency management agencies, NEMA and SEMA.

The training with the theme “Psychosocial Approach in Camp Coordination and Camp Management” provided basic information on key issues related to mental health and psychosocial support (PSS) in emergency settings, including sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), protection mainstreaming and psychological first aid.

According to Luana Giardinelli, Project Manager of IOM’s Psychosocial Support programme, “Capacity building activities like this training are especially important. They ensure that those who work closely with IDPs, especially in the camps, have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively promote and protect their psychosocial welfare.”

“This is a key part of a wider framework for providing psychosocial support for IDPs, especially in the camps.” she stated.

Since October 2014, IOM has been running an extensive psychosocial support programme for populations affected by increased insurgency and counter-insurgency activities in north east Nigeria.

For further information, please contact Luana Giardinelli, Project Manager, Psychosocial Support Programme, IOM Abuja Tel +234 (0) 706 702 6240) Email: lgiardinelli@iom.int