Social workers reflect on their work |24 March 2017

For the occasion of World Social Work Day, some 40 social workers took part in a workshop led by Dr Ilse Aucamp, an international consultant, on the themes ‘Cultural integration & social work’ and ‘Integration of health and social care’.

The workshop took place at the International Conference Centre (ICCS).

In her opening remarks, principal social worker Beryl Laboudallon said: “This is the time for us social workers to reflect on our work, talk about our challenges, share our values and think about the way forward. Many people do not understand that our work contributes a lot in the economy and in this workshop we will talk about it more.”

Dr Aucamp, who is also working as a consultant for the development of Seychelles Impact Assessment framework, noted that “Seychellois are wonderful people and they are ready to address the issues affecting them. Why choosing these two themes is because migrant labour are entering the Seychelles and end up staying. Relationships between Seychellois people and immigrants, especially when having children – new family dynamics are increasing and emerging LGTB (lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual) community is increasing. Social work promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. The social workers need to be better equipped to deal with various and sensitive issues. I personally do not think that Seychelles have enough social workers for the actual population. We definitely need more social workers to make a bigger impact in the society.”

How do you become a social worker? Sylvette Gertrude, director of Social Services, explained: “At any given time somebody can choose to become a social worker. The interested person needs to go to the National Institute for Health and Social Services (NIHSS) for a diploma for three years, but if they have the right A-level grades they can go directly for a degree in Social Work at the University of Seychelles. While doing their course, they are also on placement. Our main structure is the social services and we have currently 51 social workers. We deal with all problems relating to the families from birth to death but we do not give any money. Many people are confused about our services. Our work is quite stressful and our workers have mental fatigue. That is why it is important to know how to take care of yourself.”

To give support to its staff, the department of social services provides regular supervision sessions, team building activities and debriefing sessions for difficult cases.

“As a social worker, no matter what you do some people will never be happy and we do get lots of criticisms and you need to be able to accept criticisms,” concluded Ms Gertrude.