LERRN celebrates the success of Professor Nimo Bokore’s dedication to helping create sustainable, locally led initiative’s that strengthen civil society and improve the well-being of all community members.
LERRN Co-Lead of the Training Working Group, and Associate Professor of Social Work at Carleton University, Nimo Bokore exemplifies LERRN’s mission of enhancing the role of civil society in responding to humanitarian needs in the Global South. As chair of the committee responsible for Carleton University’s support of the University of Hargeisa Social Work Program, Bokore has been instrumental in creating Somaliland’s first Bachelors of Social Work program over a decade ago, with the program now expanding to include a master’s degree.
Since the implementation of the program 550 students have earned bachelor’s degrees in social work, enabling them to provide appropriate psychological care in Somalia, especially to women and children who often lack strong support systems. Culturally appropriate trauma-based care and knowledge is essential in rebuilding society and strengthening community resilience. As Professor Bokore notes,
“Social work and Somali culture are a match made in heaven because caring for your community is something that comes naturally. There just wasn’t a formal training structure in place.”
Professor Bokore’s work demonstrates how academic partnerships can create sustainable, locally led solutions that transform communities facing complex humanitarian challenges.
To learn more about the important work led by Nimo Bokore please visit: