Implementation of 33 Community Psychosocial Support Sessions Yields Positive Outcomes through Psychosocial Support Groups in the 11 Bomas of Nyalath Payam, Aweil Center County.
(Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State) – We are thrilled to announce the successful organization and execution of eleven community meetings, bringing together 20 participants each, to establish eleven vibrant community psychosocial support groups in Nyalath Center, Kilo-buot, Nyalath West, Udhaba, Apada East, Apada Center, Apada West, Rum-anguoth, Nyalath East, Rum-majok, and Bar-nyiwiny Bomas of Nyalath Payam in Aweil Center County. This initiative has been a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing social cohesion and fostering resilience within our communities.
The first (11) psychosocial support sessions took place on the following dates:-
- 5th September 2024 for Nyalath Center, Kilo-buot Bomas,
- 6th September 2024 for Nyalath West, Udhaba Bomas,
- 9th Septermber 2024 for Apada East, Apada Center Bomas,
- 10th September 2024 for Apada West, Rum-anguoth Bomas,
- 11th September 2024 for Nyalath East, Rum-majok and
- 12th September 2024 for Bar-nyiwiny Bomas.
Through the dedicated efforts of our trained Psychosocial Community Volunteers (PCVs) and psychosocial support ToTs, we facilitated a total of 22 psychosocial support sessions across these groups, engaging a diverse audience of 220 individuals—116 females and 104 males. These sessions have provided essential tools and resources for participants, empowering them to cope with life’s challenges, provide psychosocial support services, and build supportive networks.
The second (11) psychosocial support sessions also took place on the below dates:
- 16th September 2024 for Nyalath Center, and Kilo-buot Bomas,
- 17th September 2024 for Apada West, and Rum-anguoth Bomas,
- 18th September 2024 for Rum-majok Boma
- 19th September 2024 for Apada East, and Udhaba Bomas,
- 20th Septermber 2024 for Nyalath West and Apada Center Bomas
- 23rd September 2024 for Bar-nyiwiny Bomas and Apada West Bomas.
The third (11) Psychosocial Support Sessions also took place on:
- 15th October 2024 for Nyalath Center, and Kilo-buot Bomas,
- 16th September 2024 for Nyalath East, and Rum-anguoth Bomas,
- 17th September 2024 for Nyalath West and Rum-majok Boma
- 18th September 2024 for Apada East, and Udhaba Bomas,
- 20th Septermber 2024 for Nyalath West and Barnyiwiny Bomas
- 23rd September 2024 for Apada Center Bomas.
The impact of these meetings and sessions has been profound. Participants have reported increased feelings of community connection, improved mental health awareness, and a greater understanding of the importance of psychosocial support. By creating safe spaces for open dialogue, we have enabled individuals to share their experiences and learn from one another, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
The success of this initiative underscores the importance of community-driven approaches to mental health, psychosocial support, reconciliation and social cohesion. By establishing these psychosocial support groups, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for ongoing mental health and psychosocial support awareness and support in our communities.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a partner, the Government of Japan as a Donor, all participants, the dedicated PCVs, psychosocial support ToTs, and community leaders who made the psychosocial support sessions possibly implemented. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and peaceful community.
