Genius Hub Global Initiative (GHGI) participated in the RECONNECT Project Training on Psychosocial Support, Case Management and Sustainable Reintegration Programming for CSOs and Key Stakeholders, a five-day capacity-building programme designed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of organisations and institutions working across migration, protection, psychosocial support, return and reintegration.
The training brought together representatives from civil society organisations, government institutions and service providers to strengthen coordinated and survivor-centred approaches to supporting vulnerable individuals and communities.
The training was organised through the RECONNECT Project, with participation from ActionAid, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the CSO Migration Network.
Prioritising the Well-being of Frontline Workers
The training commenced with a session on Self-Care for Frontline Workers, highlighting an important but sometimes overlooked aspect of frontline and humanitarian work: the well-being of those providing support.
For professionals working with vulnerable individuals, including returned migrants and survivors of trauma and exploitation, the emotional and psychological demands of the work can be significant. The session provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on these demands and explore practical ways to prioritise their own well-being while supporting others.
For Genius Hub Global Initiative, the session reinforced an important principle: those who provide care also need care.
Strengthening Psychosocial Support and Case Management
A major focus of the training was strengthening participants’ practical competencies in psychosocial support, trauma-informed approaches, ethical case management, referral systems and sustainable reintegration programming.
Through practical exercises, case studies, simulations, role plays, group work and peer-learning sessions, participants explored approaches for:
- Identifying vulnerabilities and understanding individual needs.
- Providing survivor-centred and trauma-informed support.
- Managing cases ethically and effectively.
- Strengthening referral pathways and coordination among service providers.
- Developing sustainable approaches to the reintegration of returnees.
- Applying psychosocial support principles within organisational and community-based interventions.
These practical learning approaches enabled participants to connect theoretical knowledge with real-life situations and consider how the lessons could be applied within their respective organisations.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Beyond technical capacity building, the training provided a platform for collaboration, experience sharing and coordination among civil society organisations, government institutions and service providers working within the migration and protection space.
Participants had the opportunity to learn from one another, share experiences from their respective fields and identify opportunities for stronger coordination in responding to the needs of vulnerable populations.
The programme also included the development of organisational action plans, enabling participants to identify practical steps for applying and cascading the knowledge and skills gained during the training within their organisations.
GHGI’s Commitment to Sustainable Reintegration
GHGI’s participation in the training reinforces the organisation’s commitment to supporting the reintegration of returned migrants, strengthening stakeholder capacity, promoting the well-being of frontline workers and contributing to coordinated and sustainable reintegration responses in Nigeria.
As an organisation working to empower people and transform communities, GHGI recognises that effective reintegration goes beyond immediate assistance. It requires approaches that consider the psychosocial, social and economic needs of individuals while strengthening the systems and networks that support them.
The knowledge and skills gained through the RECONNECT Project training will contribute to GHGI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its programmes and partnerships and improve the quality of support provided to vulnerable individuals and communities.
Moving Forward
The training was a valuable opportunity to deepen practical knowledge, strengthen professional capacity and build connections with stakeholders working towards more effective migration, protection and reintegration responses.
For GHGI, the learning will continue beyond the training room, as the organisation works to apply relevant knowledge within its programmes and share learning with colleagues and stakeholders.
Supporting others begins with recognising that those who provide care also need care.
