UG, Human Services Ministry launch course to empower social workers in remote areas

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has teamed up with the University of Guyana (UG) to launch a new course for aspiring social workers in remote areas.
In celebration of World Social Work Day on Tuesday, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud delivered a virtual speech at the University’s Social Work Day event at its Turkeyen Campus in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre.
There, she announced that the Ministry has collaborated with UG to roll out a new course for aspiring social workers from hinterland, rural and remote areas.
“In collaboration with the Social Work Department of the University of Guyana for aspiring social workers in the hinterland, rural, and remote communities. This course has been developed by Ms Hopkinson and team and will provide those persons with the opportunities to study and work and to gain entry to diploma programmes at the University of Guyana.”
The Minister noted that this programme addresses the critical gaps in social work service provisions in underserved areas. According to Minister Persaud, there is a great need for skilled, passionate social workers and she encouraged students pursuing this career path to take the job seriously.

“As we continue to face unprecedented challenges in our world today, the need for skilled, passionate social workers has never been greater. We need you to be the next generation of leaders, innovators, and advocates who will ensure that no one is left behind and whose work ethics will embody the ethos, the ideals, and the principles of social work, where the client’s well-being and welfare are paramount.”
Better salary
Notably, Persaud also acknowledged the need for social workers to be paid better.
“I will also continue to advocate for better wages and working conditions, and ongoing professional development to ensure that social workers are equipped to handle the complex needs of our society.”
Moreover, the Minister also revealed that works on the Social Work Bill which has been in the making for some two years are nearing completion.
“The Social Workers Bill is nearing completion and has benefited from input by Ms Hopkinson and team. I sincerely thank them. This legislation seeks to provide registration and licensure, and also to develop a Social Work Council, which monitors, regulates, and maintains accountability of social workers among their other functions. The legislation also speaks to the nomenclature of social workers, identifying various categories of social work.”
The Social Work Bill aims to establish a legal framework for social work practice in Guyana, including provisions for licensing social workers.