Barbra Aber, from Uganda, is completing a dual master’s degree in social work and social policy at Washington University in St. Louis. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and community development from Kyambogo University in Uganda.
Barbra worked as a social worker for 15 years before beginning her master’s program. Her commitment to women and children is demonstrated by work that focuses on family reunification, strengthening prevention programs, and building community reintegration services for separated children.
On a national level, she spearheaded the development of Uganda’s National Guidelines for Alternative Care, National Foster Care Guidelines, and Case Management Guidelines for Reintegration. She was instrumental in the design of foster care and adoption programs and trained more than 400 social workers across 12 districts, helping to build a stronger child protection workforce. She has worked at several international organizations and has contributed to the shift from institutional care to family-based systems across seven African countries.
With her volunteer work, she extends her commitment further. For example, since 2018, she has mentored young women transitioning out of care, providing support through skills training, education pathways, and psychosocial care.
Barbra’s career goals include establishing a practitioner-led think tank focused on children and families in Uganda. She will carry out policy analysis, program evaluation and systems design on a national scale.
Barbra describes herself as “a social worker, a facilitator, a sister,” which captures the true essence of her being!
