The SOS Regional Mothers and Adult Training Centre recently held its 6th matriculation ceremony for 21 students in the Social Work Certificate Programme (SWCP)  at the center’s grounds in Bakoteh. Speaking at the occasion, Ellen Maraizu, the director of the Centre, gave a brief history of its activities, adding that the SWCP was initiated through the collaborative work of the government of The Gambia, SOS Children’s village and UNICEF The Gambia.

She explained that the objective of the social work training programme in The Gambia is to respond to the growing demand for social work professionals in the country as well as upgrading the delivery capacities of those already rendering social work services without basic knowledge of the profession. “The Regional Mothers Training Centre is hosting the certificate programme and has put in place all the necessary resources at its disposal to create the conducive learning environment,” she assured. She noted that the Centre  has in place an efficient academic staff comprising of internal and external professionals who are capable of meeting their academic challenges and thus help them fulfill their goals.

For her part, Dr Julieta Menses, chairperson of SOS Social Work Academic Advisory Board, commended the students for gaining admission into the pioneer social work institution in The Gambia and for being associated with one of the largest child-centered organisations in the world.  “Undoubtedly, there are many challenges ahead of you; but there should be a will and determination to succeed. This will help to weather the storms that may come your way. Always challenge yourself and get used to operating outside of your comfort zone. You have good opportunities that lie in front of you and you should therefore make good use of them.

The knowledge you will gain will be helpful to define your personal and professional life,” she added.For his part, Charles Oarhe Agbebaku, the programme coordinator, highlighted the benefits and the importance of the programme and the channels that the students will be going through during the course of their studies.