What motivated you to pursue a career in social work?
My motivation to pursue a career in social work stems from a deep-seated desire to help others and effect positive change within communities. I am passionate about improving the lives of diverse populations, including children, the elderly, and other marginalised groups.
This journey was enriched by a natural sense of humility, inspiring me to restore hope for the hopeless and to advocate for their rights. I aim to bring smiles to faces through compassion and support.
How has the Child’s i Foundation supported your journey as a social worker?
Child’s i Foundation has significantly enriched my professional journey, reinforcing my sense of purpose as a social worker. My desire to work with children and the elderly to restore hope and empower vulnerable communities has been fulfilled here.
It has also broadened my understanding of how important family support is for individual growth and development. I have gained valuable insights into child protection policies and human rights legislation. Child’s i’s safe and supportive environment has improved my case management skills and amplified my commitment to social justice, human rights, and family care.
Your thoughts on the importance of preventing family separation, supporting safe reintegration, and providing family care for children?
Preventing family separation is crucial because children thrive when raised within families. A family environment provides essential social skills, cultural norms, and a sense of belonging. To prevent separation, I advocate for various strategies: from economic empowerment and family strengthening programs to policy reforms and community awareness initiatives focused on child protection.
Supporting safe reintegration is vital; it not only strengthens children’s sense of belonging, but it also fosters relationships within extended family networks. Effective reintegration requires thorough preparation, involving all relevant parties—family members, social workers, and local authorities—to ensure that every decision made is in the best interest of the child.
Family care is essential for a child’s development. It helps cultivate love and attachment from a consistent caregiver, teaches social skills and values, and nurtures positive behaviour that contributes to a child’s successful future. A collaborative effort among governments, organisations, and communities is necessary to support and strengthen family structures.
Share with us an outstanding accomplishment of your work and what contributed to that success.
One notable accomplishment in my career is the successful reunification of 25 children from institutional care to their biological families. These children have now returned to loving environments, including homes with parents and extended family members.
This success was made possible through active family and community involvement, the establishment of strong partnerships with local structures, effective communication, collaboration, availability of resources, and nurturing relationships with the communities we serve.
Another significant achievement has been the establishment of a foster care program that provides alternative family care. By identifying, assessing, and training 24 foster parents, who were subsequently approved by the District Alternate Care panel, we have expanded the avenues for family care through effective collaboration with local stakeholders.
What are the most significant challenges you face while doing your work as a social worker?
In my role as a social worker, I encounter numerous challenges, particularly within families. One significant issue is the complex nature of problems that often arise; due to limited resources, addressing these difficulties can be overwhelming.
Additionally, there tends to be a lack of trust among community members towards existing social service structures, complicating referral processes. To address this, I actively engage with community members, encouraging them to follow up on their cases and seek assistance from various service providers.
