A capacity-building program to strengthen bachelor's degree education in social work in Turkmenistan was implemented from February 10 to 15 by UNICEF and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Training sessions were held in two universities - Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly in Ashgabat and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seydi in Turkmenabat. They contributed to improving the skills of university professors to teach students new disciplines related to social work, improving curricula and teaching methods, using evidence-based approaches and generally increasing the professionalism and practical orientation of education in the field of social work.

The training, conducted by international expert Dr. Salome Namicheishvili, helped university professors and students learn new ways of teaching and applying social work skills. The classes included interactive educational methods, practical exercises and discussion of real-life cases, so that students were well prepared to help each person, family and community, according to a press release of UNICEF.

Turkmenistan introduced a bachelor's program in social work in 2023 as part of national efforts to improve social services in accordance with the Law on Social Services adopted in 2021. As the profession develops, it is important to provide future social workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen families, prevent their disintegration and support reunification where possible.

Social workers play an important role in uniting families, helping them overcome difficulties and ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and favorable environment. Their work is essential to improve the well-being of all people and achieve the SDGs. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, social service organizations, representatives of the academic community and UNICEF are joining forces to ensure that the synergy of politics, practice and education provides a comprehensive approach to the development of social work.

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