The Inspiring Journey of Bekele: Why She Pursued Social Work as a Career

Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Bekele. She had always been drawn to helping others and had a passion for social justice. As she grew older, she realized that she wanted to make a career out of helping those in need. This led her to pursue social work as her chosen field.

Bekele's journey began with a degree in social work from a top university. She learned about the challenges that people face in their lives and how social workers can make a difference. She worked hard to gain the skills and knowledge she needed to help her clients navigate difficult situations.

One of Bakele's most inspiring experiences as a social worker came when she worked with a homeless family. The mother and father had lost their jobs and were struggling to make ends meet. They had three young children and were living in the streets.

Bekele was able to connect them with resources for food, housing, and job training. She also helped them access mental health services and provided emotional support. Over time, the family was able to get back on their feet and find stable housing.

Bekele's work with this family showed her the impact that social workers can have on people's lives. It also inspired her to continue to work towards social justice in her community.

As Bekele continued to grow in her career, she became involved in advocacy work. She worked to change policies and systems that were unfair to marginalized communities. She spoke up for those who did not have a voice and worked to create a more just society.

Bekele's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of social work. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and compassion, social workers can make a real difference in people's lives. Whether you are considering a career in social work or simply want to learn more about this vital field, Sarah's story is sure to inspire you.

Story Inspired by a real social work girl called Bekele

Learn how to meditate correctly

HIDDEN SOCIAL WORKERS

If you judge an apprentice  social worker by other professionals' standards then that social worker will to a large extent believe they are stupid or incapable

If we are to judge we should judge in the context of what social workers ought to do.

Above all, it is our responsibility as individual social workers to stand up for selves. To define what we do and demonstrate that because our opportunities are as many as the problems we have.

MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS

Dr. Evalyna Bogdan, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and member of the Social Work and Disaster Network, is offering a free mindfulness meditation course online for social work students, social workers and frontline workers in October. The course is 4 weeks in length with 1 session per week; each session is 60-minutes.

Fridays, October 7-28, 2022
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (MST) / 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)

 
 If you would like to register, please send an email to Dr. Bogdan at ebogdan@yorku.ca

What Now for Social Work?

Africa is going through a Metamorphosis. Made up of "self-made" leaders who are champions of self reliance and prudent use of government resources

What does this means for social services

1. That directors of social services will be required to demonstrate value for money in all social projects.

2. Rather than having assistive services, all beneficiaries will be required to take part in their helping processes.

3. Donor fundings to NGOs that give free money and support/implement programs that are enablers of dependency will be cut off. 

4. Activisim will require thoughtful research and organizing

What this means therefore is that some caders in social work will rapidly decline as others evolve and become more relevant. 

For example, if you are currently working in the area of children you should forget any idea of strarting a childrens home and instead build your skillset and knowledge about family-oriented services.

If you are a medical social worker build your community organizing skills to help persons register for NHIF etc.

If you are a community social worker get good at research and working with organized groups.

Lastly, even with permanent jobs, contracting will become more popular and we will have to demonstrate/show our value.

Mental Health

Mental Health.

September 11, 2022

September is a mental health month and the theme Make mental health and well being for all a global priority

Some social workers and their organizations like AYASW and Safe Haven are planning for activities around the same.

In additional to being involved in the activities planned to improve mental health I am looking forward to the promotion of well being by decriminalization of suicide and assistive suicide services because the right to life should encompass having a quality life and freedom to chose to Live or not.

SPECIALIZATION IS THE WAY

It is true the approach-holistic approach of looking at the contribution of different factors and levels informs a problem and possible solutions- that is true and one of the things that make social work profession unique.

On the other hand, there are no Generalist SW jobs, Positions or opportunities. Which then makes our profession Unreleatable and mismatched to the market needs.

Many students waste a lot money studying social work as it is because they are left confused and without a ground upon which they can beging their apprenticeship not to mention that we end up wasting a lot of time and money not because the profession is bad but simply misguided. 

Those who are able to effectively use social work knowledge, skills, techniques and models are exceptional not the majority and that is not the students' problem.