The signing ceremony was held at the office of the out going UTG vice chancellor’s office at the University’s AdministrativeBuilding in Kanifing.

The objective of the social work program in the Gambia is to provide the needed training for the growing demand for social work professionals in the country and the sub region as well as upgrade the delivery capacity of those already rendering social work services without basic knowledge of social work.

According to officials, SOS will host the certificate program while UTG to host the diploma program.

Speaking on the occasion, the UTG vice chancellor professor, Andrew Stigen expressed pleasure in seeing the program come to a reality.

He described the program as very important and interesting. He opines that for the program to be more relevant in future there is a need to provide specialisation in social work.

Mr.Josef Kittl Director SOS-Kinderdorf International Regional Office for North/West Africa described the day as historic. “An NGO partnering with UTG to offer such a professional course is very significant”.

Mrs.Fanta Bai Secka, Director Social Welfare, said the Gambian communities need social workers while welcoming the introduction of the program.

Other speakers include Dr.Saidou Jallow Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Dr.Senghore, Head Social Sciences and Mr. Lamin Sam Jaiteh Registrar UTG respectively.