Colloquium focuses on the importance of professional social work

The objective of the colloquium was to start a reflection on the world of social work in Mauritius and to consider how the professional social workers could bring their contribution towards a better Mauritius.

At the very outset, the Acting President, who was the Chief Guest, expressed appreciation to the staff of Omnicane and CABs for their collaboration and dedication towards professional social work. He recalled that the partnership of all stakeholders will help achieve the different set objectives with regards to social work.

Speaking on the theme of the World Social Work Day 2019, Mr Pillay Vyapoory highlighted that it is important for professional social workers to reflect and self-assess their work so as to perform better. He also urged citizens to rally and support professional social workers in their endeavours.

The Acting President underscored that many institutions, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are working to tackle social issues adding that financial and psychological assistance is being provided by the Government and others institutions. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Government is making tremendous efforts to enhance inclusiveness in the Mauritian society through the implementation of Minimum Wage, Negative Income Tax, free tertiary education and renovation of NHDC houses.

Mauritius, Mr Pillay Vyapoory pointed out, is undergoing deep transformation with the development of new economic poles, mega infrastructural projects and is fostering the use of artificial intelligence in many spheres. However, he indicated that during this transformation, the society is also deteriorating socially. Hence, to prevent the erosion of social values during these times, parents should give their best to instill social values such as respect and discipline in their child at home, he emphasised.

Speaking about capacity-building, the Acting President underlined that it will be necessary to enhance and reinforce the capacity of professional social workers in the civil service so that they can support the people who may encounter emotional and social dilemmas, beyond economic difficulties.

About the Colloquium

The panelist were the Ombudsperson for Children, Mrs Rita Venkatasawmy, a lecturer at the University of Mauritius, Ms Fabiola Ramsamy, the director of NGO ANFEN, Mr Viken Vadeevaloo, and the Acting Coordinator of CABs, Mr Girty Eleonore.

The Colloquium focused mainly on the reinforcement of social service in the public sector to address the proliferation of social ills such as domestic violence and synthetic drugs by laying emphasis on the importance of respect of human rights, and on the work being done by professional social workers.