A forum “Courage, Solidarity, Social Work” was held under the theme “Bridges in the Modern World”. The occasion for the event was World Social Work Day, which we celebrate every year on the third Tuesday of March. On this day, governments and civil society pay tribute to social workers who help the most vulnerable groups in society.
During the forum, important topics were discussed such as – achievements and challenges in social work, defining the most effective way to use state resources to ensure quality in supporting disadvantaged children and parents, the most appropriate services for people with disabilities, and the most effective support for the elderly. By investing in children and families now, we are investing in our future.
Interesting conclusions related to workable strategies and tactics in the field of social work were made by the participants in the discussions, discussing real cases. There is not yet a strong and working relationship between institutions to provide adequate and timely social care for people in need in society. Prevention is a crucial factor in indicating the help needed, but there is still no working strategy to focus our efforts there. There is no strategy in Bulgaria for people with dementia, for the care of the elderly, for children and families. It is time for the state to start supporting vulnerable groups effectively, by looking for new working social services to provide help and for them to move forward.
The official guests of the event were Mr. Borislav Gutsanov, Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Ms. Denitsa Sacheva, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Policy, Ms. Victoria Takhova, Executive Director of the Agency for the Quality of Social Services, Ms. Rositsa Dimitrova, Co-Chairperson of the Social Committee of the National Social Policy Committee, Assoc. Mrs. Nadezhda Bacheva, Deputy Mayor of Sofia Municipality in the field of Social Activity and Integration of People with Disabilities.
Mr. Borislav Gutsanov congratulated the organizers and guests and said that a society is judged by its attitude towards vulnerable groups and it is time for the state to start working effectively with all those who work for the well-being of society because only together we can achieve the necessary success in our common work and see fewer and fewer people who need social assistance because, with our help, they have successfully integrated. The work of social workers is extremely important and responsible, and one of the main goals of Mr Gutsanov’s team is to raise salaries and improve the conditions in which they work.
Ms Denitsa Sacheva, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Policy, congratulated the guests and noted that social work is becoming more and more important and necessary, and social workers should have a special status in society. A human resources strategy for the sector needs to be developed with a very clear and concrete plan, and institutions need to exchange experience and knowledge more often in order to improve the social assistance offered to vulnerable groups.
The profession of a social worker is recognition, a work with a cause that is in aid of society. Every day social workers work on the ground in difficult and sensitive environments, supporting people in need with dedication and trust. Using the knowledge and information gained, bridges must be built between government institutions, NGOs, and social workers to change public attitudes and transform public care for children, parents, people with special needs, and the elderly.
Happy holiday!
Organizers of the event were the National Network for Children, Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, For Our Children Foundation, International Social Service Bulgaria Foundation, Global Initiative in Psychiatry Foundation, Maria’s World Foundation, SOS Children’s Villages – Bulgaria, National Alliance for Social Responsibility, Concordia Bulgaria Foundation, Cedar Foundation and Know-How Center for Alternative Child Care, NBU.
A special diploma “Courage, Solidarity, Social Work” for timely help in need, promoting solidarity and responsiveness, engaging a wide range of volunteers, and partnership with civil society organizations, social services, and institutions was awarded to Maria Sylvester from the team of the show “Brigada Nov Dom”.
