UNDER the theme, “promoting dignity and worth of people”, the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) says there needs to be an inclusionary approach towards the alleviation of social ills.The month of March has been designated Social Work Month, while March 15 is celebrated as World Social Work Day around the world.
According to acting President of Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW), Akilah Deorris, during the month their roles as social workers are intensified, as workers join forces and plan activities that demonstrate their actual role in society.
Regardless of individuals’ challenges and struggles, she said that GAPSW’s daily work, apart from this day and month, is to take a “whole of life” approach towards helping those individuals, families and groups cope with life’s stresses, to respond to challenges and advocate for gender equality among other things.
As such, in keeping with the international theme of the International Federation of Social Workers, they will demonstrate their commitment in doing what really matters, when it comes to combating social problems, such as suicide, depression, abuse, sexual exploitation, and other ills that pose a threat to society.
She further said GAPSW has planned a number of motivational sessions, aimed at schools within Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica).
They also intend to reach out to third and final year University of Guyana Sociology students, in an effort to recruit and enlighten them about the operations of the GAPSW, and also the upcoming events and activities.
She reiterated the need for an inclusionary approach towards the alleviation of social ills, highlighting the fact that their mandate is not just to work single-handedly, but also to work with other advocates and agencies.
Partnership, she said is also needed because of the limitations and scarcity of resources. Therefore, “we must not compete but co-operate, because we want organisations to know about our skill-set in order to work along with us.
“We extend our hand in collaboration with the government and civil society because we want them to help us continue the good work and create a future partnership, so that we can make the world a better place,” said the President (ag) of GAPSW.
GAPSW is a professional non-governmental organisation with a rich and successful history of over 42 years in the area of professional development of its members; creating positive social change in the lives of the disadvantaged and vulnerable; and enhancing the general welfare and well-being of our local communities and our country as a whole.