Turkmenistan has taken a significant step toward strengthening social services by completing the Social Work Core Competencies Certification Training Programme, a year-long initiative led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population and the Ministry of Education, with technical support from UNICEF.

This milestone program, dedicated to the 4th anniversary of the Law on Social Services, provided in-service professional development for social workers, policymakers, and university faculty. Through structured training and hands-on practice, participants enhanced their skills to better serve children and families across the country.

The curriculum focused on essential competencies for modern social work, including: effective communication and relationship-building; case management and needs assessment; and planning, monitoring, and professional growth

By combining theory with real-world application, social workers are now better equipped to respond to the complex needs of vulnerable families.

“Social workers are the backbone of child protection and social development. By investing in the skills and professionalism of Turkmenistan’s social workforce, the country is taking a leading role in strengthening families, protecting children’s rights, and building a more resilient society,” said Jalpa Ratna, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan.

Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute played a key role in advancing social work education, ensuring long-term sustainability through collaboration with national institutions and practitioners.

Over the past five years, Turkmenistan has taken decisive steps to strengthen the quality, scale, and professionalism of social work, advancing a nationally owned model rooted in child protection, family support, and social development. With UNICEF’s technical assistance, including through the global Partnership for Every Child, Turkmenistan has adapted international best practices to its national context.

Together with national partners, competency-based curricula, teaching materials, and practice-oriented training programmes were developed in line with international standards, supporting the emergence of a distinct Turkmen model of social work education and practice. Universities, working closely with social service organizations, have played a leading role by integrating practical placements and applied research, enabling social work students to contribute to evidence-based analysis of family and child needs, and strengthening the bridge between academic learning and real-world service delivery.

UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to continue working alongside the Government of Turkmenistan to, strengthen academic and practice pathways, and enhance the quality and reach of services for children and families across the country.