Executive Summary
From 26th to 28th August 2025, Bawadi for Peace and Development Organization, in partnership with Phannar Organization and hosted by the African Organization for Rights and Development, successfully conducted a three-day Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on Psychosocial Support.
The workshop brought together 15 youth participants (both men and women), led by experienced facilitators Trainer Dr. Ibtihal and Trainer M. Salim. It aimed at equipping young Sudanese refugees and community members in Uganda with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to provide psychosocial support in crisis-affected communities.
The sessions were marked by active participation, personal sharing, practical exercises, and interactive learning. The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, attended by an honor guest, partner organizations, and stakeholders. Special appreciation certificates were awarded to the African Organization for Rights and Development and the Idraak Center for Training and Media for their invaluable support.
This initiative represented a significant step toward empowering refugee youth leaders to champion mental health, resilience, and social cohesion within their communities.
- Organizers and Partners
- Organizers: Bawadi for Peace and Development Organization & Phannar Organization
- Funder: Phannar Organization
- Host: African Organization for Rights and Development
- Workshop Objectives
The key objectives of the TOT workshop were:
- To build the capacity of youth leaders in psychosocial support and trauma healing.
- To introduce the TOT methodology as a strategic tool for knowledge transfer.
- To empower participants with practical skills to help their communities cope with trauma, violence, and displacement.
- To foster collaboration and leadership among Sudanese refugee youth in Uganda.
- Workshop Activities and Content
Day One – 26 August 2025
- Opening session with welcoming remarks from organizers and trainers.
- Introduction to the concept of psychosocial support and its role in crisis-affected communities.
- Overview of skills required to be an effective trainer.
- Participant introductions and sharing of personal experiences, fostering openness and collaboration.
- Introduction to the TOT concept and its importance in building youth training capacity.
- The day was marked by high enthusiasm and positive interaction among participants.
Day Two – 27 August 2025
- Focused on understanding trauma and its psychological impact.
- Exploration of the objectives of psychosocial support in healing and recovery.
- Group work and practical exercises to enhance coping strategies and strengthen teamwork.
- Participants learned approaches to reduce the effects of trauma and encourage positive adaptation within their communities.
Day Three – 28 August 2025
- Sessions on violence in its various forms, its impacts on mental health, and strategies to reduce its negative effects.
- Final reflections and group discussions on applying knowledge in participants’ communities.
- Closing Ceremony:
- Distribution of certificates of participation to the 15 youth trainees.
- Appreciation certificates presented to the African Organization for Rights and Development and the Idraak Center for Training and Media.
- Attended by an honor guest, and partner representatives.
- Outcomes and Achievements
The TOT workshop achieved the following:
- 15 youth participants (both men and women) trained in psychosocial support.
- Improved understanding of trauma, coping strategies, and violence prevention.
- Development of a pool of young trainers capable of cascading knowledge to others.
- Strengthened partnerships between Sudanese refugee communities, Ugandan institutions, and regional organizations.
- Raised awareness of the importance of mental health and resilience in post-crisis recovery.
- Conclusion
The TOT on Psychosocial Support workshop was more than just a training, it was a transformative platform for youth leadership, healing, and resilience. By investing in young people, we laid the foundation for long-term community empowerment and mental well-being among Sudanese refugees in Uganda.
The passion and commitment shown by the trainees, combined with the dedication of the trainers and support from partners, created a space of learning, hope, and solidarity. This initiative demonstrated that empowering youth with psychosocial support skills is a sustainable pathway toward peace, resilience, and community cohesion.
- Acknowledgments
Bawadi for Peace and Development Organization extends its deepest gratitude to:
- Phannar Organization, for funding and partnership.
- African Organization for Rights and Development, for graciously hosting the workshop.
- Idraak Center for Training and Media, for support and collaboration.
- Trainers Dr. Ibtihal and Mr. Salim, for their dedication, expertise, and guidance.
- All participants, for their active engagement, stories, and commitment to spreading psychosocial support in their communities.
