UniSey, NIHSS host students’ reflection, awareness, information forum on social work |28 March 2022

A group of students following social work related courses at the University of Seychelles (UniSey) as well as those from the National Institute of Health and Social Studies, came together recently to reflect on the importance of, learn more on the various aspects of social work.

The half-day forum held at the UniSey auditorium at Anse Royale under the theme ‘Taking a step into the world of social work: student perspective’, formed part of activities to commemorate the

World Social Work Day which fell on March 15.

Its aim was to promote social work and get students to reflect on the different aspects of social work, raise their awareness and provide them with more information on the vast social sector where numerous opportunities exist for personal development and specialisation in different aspects.

An initiative of the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) and the UniSey – the two institutions that provide studies for a diploma and degree in social work respectively – also invited S5 students from all post secondary schools around the country but unfortunately very few of them turned up.

Present to attend the forum were the vice-chancellor of the UniSey Joëlle Perreau, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Development Justin Zelime, as well as members of staff of the two institutions and some secondary students.

The forum included reflections on the social work day theme which was ‘Co-building new eco-social world leaving no one behind’, poems, presentation about the social work profession which were followed by a plenary session.

Addressing everyone present at the forum, the acting director of the NIHSS, Ebrahim Ali, noted that through this collaboration between the two institutions they want students to be aware of the diversity of opportunities that exist in the social sector.

‘’We want you to broaden your view on the possibilities that exist in the field so that you can make an informed decision about your future career,” he said.

He pointed out that the pandemic has in many ways taught us that our social sector is fragile and it has suffered from health and economic impacts and like all professionals, social workers have and must learn to adapt to this reality.

He said the profession within the sector requires individuals to be passionate, resourceful, compassionate, and who are driven by the values that reflect the different professions in the social sector namely social justice, human rights and responsibilities, the importance of human relationships and networking with others to share similar concerns so that solutions and efforts can be coordinated for the betterment of individuals and society.

“Students you are here today because you have shown an initial interest in pursuing a career in the social sector and so you want to be better informed to satisfy your curiosity on different issues and have your questions answered on related matters by professionals and lecturers in the sector.”

Danielle Khan, an S5 student from Mont Fleuri, said she hopes the discussions and presentations will better help her to decide on her further study choices.

For his part social work lecturer at the UniSey, Georges Nicette, in his reflection called on the students to reflect on social work in Seychelles and the identity of social workers.

Based on the day’s theme which is ‘Co-building new eco-social world leaving no one behind’, Mr Nicette’s question for reflection was; ‘Are we leaving people behind and why?’

He went on to highlight the different principles/concepts that define and guide social work, promote social change for development, empowerment, social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, respect.

“There is no best social worker but a competent social worker,” he pointed out.

Mr Nicette went on to note that in Seychelles today a lot of people mostly men are not accessing services and he believes there is a need to urgently address the matter and make the service more male friendly.

He has expressed the hope that male professionals working in the sector would come forward with innovative initiatives to encourage more men to access the services.

Marie-Anne Lepathy