VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Social Affairs department hosted a workshop yesterday to honour social workers on their day, marked on March 18. In her opening remarks, Employment and Social Affairs Minister Patricia Francourt emphasised that World Social Work Day serves as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of social workers, ensuring that the occasion is meaningful and recognises their dedication in the field. ‘Today, we gather to celebrate World Social Work Day, which is a moment for reflection on our shared mission and a reaffirmation of our commitment to creating a just and compassionate society,’ she stated.
According to the minister, factors such as modernisation, migration and technological advancements have transformed family dynamics, creating gaps in understanding and support between the young and the old. The challenges faced by social workers are vast, with a constant concern regarding the insufficient number of social workers available to serve the community and society at large. Additionally, the hours they are required to work often exceed expectations, as their roles necessitate being on call at all times to respond to emergencies. Society also plays a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals including children at risk and the elderly.
During the ceremony, the department recognised two social workers, namely Natasha Mathiot and Tessy Allisop, for their ten-year tenure. ‘In these ten years as a social worker, the biggest challenge I’ve faced is to get parents’ cooperation when working with their children. Sometimes we feel cornered as a social worker to find the best option for the family, especially the best option for the children to help them overcome the situation they find themselves in,’ shared Ms Allisop. During yesterday’s event, the Minister for Employment and Social Affairs officially launched the ‘Social Work in Action’ magazine, and staff took part in a one-day stress management workshop conducted by a psychologist.
