MDIF Trains NGO Workers on Financial Resilience, Mental Health
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The Migration and Development Impact Foundation has organised a capacity-building workshop for humanitarian and non-governmental organisations’ (NGO) workers on financial resilience, wealth creation, and mental health awareness in Jos, Plateau State.
The program brought together participants from Gombe State, Bauchi State, and Plateau State as part of an effort to address the financial and emotional challenges often faced by aid workers.
Speaking during the human capacity building growth and development future forward workshop, the Project Director, Olalekan Sulaiman Tella, said the initiative was designed to support NGO workers who frequently experience financial hardship after completing project implementation cycles.
According to him, the training is being implemented in two phases, with an earlier session held for participants from the south-east, while the current phase focuses on the north-east region.
He explained that Jos was selected as the venue because of its accessibility and proximity to the airport, which made it easier for participants from neighbouring states to attend.
Mr. Tella said the foundation developed the program after observing that many NGO workers struggle to sustain themselves during periods between projects.
“The program is centred on caring for the carer,” he said. “Most NGO workers engage in project-based activities, and once those projects end, many find themselves without stable income.”
He added that the workshop aims to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge that can help them generate alternative sources of income without affecting their professional responsibilities.
The program also focused on mental health and psychosocial well-being, which the organisers described as critical issues affecting humanitarian workers.
“Supporting vulnerable people exposes NGO workers to traumatic and emotional situations.” Over time, these experiences affect their psychological wellbeing,” he said.
Mr Tella noted that the training was intended to help participants develop coping strategies and maintain a healthy balance between their work and personal lives.
“We want them to understand the importance of separating work-related trauma from their personal wellbeing so they can remain productive and emotionally stable,” he added.