Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW), through the Department of Social Development has commissioned and superintendent over the National Social Service Workforce Capacity Assessment in 2023 to analyse the status, structure and functioning of the social service workforce across the country and at all levels of operation.

This year’s celebrations were under the theme ‘Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change’ resonating with our rich and long cherished cultural traditions built on an understanding and awareness of African beliefs couched within the Ubuntu philosophical ethos.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. Mercy M. Dinha revealed that the theme places emphasis on the adoption of innovative, community-led approaches that are grounded in indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature.

In the face of climate emergency, the collapse of biodiversity and pervasive pollution, everyone is challenged to embrace the indigenous knowledge systems in formulating and implementing countermeasures to protect lives and preserve the environment for a better tomorrow.

Government acknowledges and appreciates the role of social workers in the development agenda, as they are working towards achieving the status of an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030. This is being achieved through the blueprint National Development Strategy 1 2021 to 2025. Social workers are part of the broader social service workforce and are critical in the delivery of child protection, social protection, health, and education services amongst others.

"We can all agree that quality delivery of social protection services and child protection in particular is hinged on a well-functioning workforce. Strong social protection systems are essential in helping individuals and families including children and persons with disabilities, who are the most vulnerable to cope with crisis and shocks, find jobs, improve productivity, invest in the health and education of their children, and protect the aging population. It is therefore important to assess the capacity of the social service workforce time and again to identify strengths and gaps to be addressed to maintain the optimum quality of social services delivery.

"As we celebrate today, we should reflect on the critical role played by social workers in driving positive change and fostering communities that thrive on mutual respect and sustainability. Let us continue to improve the conditions of service for social workers for a more favorable practice environment", she said.

The schools of social work are encouraged to comply with the regulations and set standards for social work education for more qualified and well trained social workers to be produced to drive the development of this country.