Nairobi, 23 June 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has concluded a four-day workshop in Nairobi to advance peer mentoring systems in support of sustainable reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa. Organized under the EU-funded Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), the event brought together 25 participants from 13 Sub-Saharan African countries, including government officials, implementing partners, and IOM staff.

‘’This workshop marks a significant step forward in recognizing that sustainable reintegration requires more than livelihoods,” said Jorge DOMINGUEZ Regional Programme Coordinator for the MPRR SSA. “It is about human connection, trust, and dignity. Peer mentors—many of whom have experienced return themselves—can offer exactly that”, she add.

This was a platform for exchanging knowledge and designing mentoring models that provide returnees with low-cost, community-based psychosocial support. Participants from countries already engaged in mentoring systems for returning migrants — such as Nigeria and Morrocco—shared field experiences and lessons learned. Others, many new to the approach, received tailored support to launch or expand mentoring initiatives.

Drawing on their expertise in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), participants were introduced to the newly developed MPRR-SSA Mentoring Toolkit (which builds on IOM’s previous initiatives) and created country-specific action plans for implementation during the 2025–2026 period. The peer mentoring model links returnees with trained peers or trusted community members to foster social inclusion and address emotional needs often overlooked in reintegration frameworks focused primarily on economic assistance.

“Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) are vital for migrants and returnee communities, fostering resilience, restoring dignity, and enabling individuals to rebuild their lives,” said Prof. Pinaman APPAU, CEO of the Mental Health Authority in Ghana. “Through mentoring programmes led by successfully reintegrated migrants, new returnees gain emotional support, practical guidance, and hope—helping them navigate reintegration challenges and rebuild their futures with confidence. We at MHA Ghana, in partnership with IOM, are committed to supporting vulnerable migrants and communities of return.”

Technical sessions covered how to train mentors in basic psychosocial support skills, boundary-setting, signposting to helpful services and building social networks. The latter being important as many returnees face rejection from family and communities upon return, compounding their distress and impeding their reintegration. Participants engaged in hands-on microteaching exercises and live discussions with active mentors from Nigeria, who shared compelling stories of personal and community transformation through mentoring.

The workshop also laid the foundation for a Community of Practice—a regional peer-learning platform to be hosted on the IOM Migrant Protection Platform—to support continued technical exchange.

“As a mental health and psychosocial support practitioner, I found the training on mentoring approaches both timely and transformative,” said Boureima ABDOU, Head of Planning Division, National Mental Health Programme, Niger. “Once implemented, this model can significantly improve sustainable reintegration outcomes for migrants—especially in Niger, which is both a transit and return country. It is crucial that our communities can count on trusted mentors on the ground.”

“Psychosocial support from mentors who have lived the same experiences, especially in contexts where returnees may face stigma, allows for deeper cultural and emotional understanding,” said Guglielmo SCHININA, IOM's Global Lead for MHPSS and Inter-cultural Communication who opened the workshop. “It complements formal services and ensures support reaches even the most remote communities.”, he added.

The mentoring approach is expected to enhance the wellbeing and social inclusion of returnees while anchoring reintegration support within communities. By building local networks of trained mentors, the model contributes to the sustainability of reintegration outcomes across the region.

About the MPRR-SSA Programme:

The Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme in Sub-Saharan Africa is implemented by IOM with support from the European Union. It aims to ensure dignified returns and holistic reintegration through protection assistance, community engagement, and durable solutions.

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For more information, please contact:

Theresa MACLAY:  Regional MHPSS Specialist, tmaclay@iom.int

Madjiguène SARR: Regional MHPSS Assistant, madsarr@iom.int