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News > Social Workers Urged to Help Solve Problems of Human Misery
Social Workers Urged to Help Solve Problems of Human Misery Dr. Shane Brennen, Chair, School of Social Sciences at The College of The Bahamas, has issued a clarion call for social workers to help solve the problems of human misery and suffering. While recently addressing a special luncheon of the Grand Bahama Association of Social Workers in Freeport, Dr. Brennen urged social workers to encourage optimal thinking; nurture socio-political awareness; build community strength and cultivate positive, professional relationships. "Social work acts as a safety net in any country when there is crisis, when there are emergencies and persons are not doing well. We work with them to find their voice and be able to stand up, speak up, and take action," said Dr. Brennen, herself a former social worker. "Social work is very important to the development of the country and social workers play a vital role in that we help to empower persons to find within themselves, their strength to move forward." According to Dr. Brennen social workers are essential to community progression. She explained that communities that are economically depressed are often characterized as lacking hope and immersed in despair. Therefore, she said, it is important to highlight the skills and talents of community members and recognize their spirit of survival and resiliency as a means of elevating a community. "When we focus on the differences that exist among us, it only serves the purpose of excluding people. That's not what we're about. We're about including people. So we look at difference, whether it's race, religion, educational level, as a strength and as a talent that you bring to the table, so that all the differences and all the various groups in community can form partnerships... to form a stronger unit. It is only then that we are going to survive as a people," Dr. Brennen told a group of approximately 80 social workers. Social workers are required to address enormous human challenges, since the clients they serve are usually those in the most desperate and trying circumstances. The College of The Bahamas School of Social Sciences has a vibrant academic programme in social work that includes a Bachelor of Arts, Social Work degree programme offered since 2001. The programme trains students to tackle a wide range of human challenges. Before the baccalaureate programme, The College offered only a certificate and associate degree in the discipline. Although The Bahamas has the third highest per capita income in the Western Hemisphere, many of its residents struggle daily to overcome serious economic, domestic and social challenges. In Grand Bahama, residents have had to cope with a severe and protracted period of economic malaise as a result of a series of hurricanes and dwindling tourism numbers that have worsened social challenges. Under the circumstances, the role of social workers is especially important. "We're doing God's work. We're serving God's people. This is a ministry," Dr. Brennen added. "I think this kind of event allows us to become visible in the community. Social workers address hurting people, people who are disenfranchised, people who have been left out, overlooked, people whose needs continue to go unmet. Social workers are there to fill the gap and to bring some form of amelioration and healing to communities." The Grand Bahama Association of Social Workers luncheon was held at Pier One Restaurant and culminated a week of activities held in observance of Social Work Month under the theme "Social Workers Inspire Community Action — Helping to Build Strong Communities in an Ever-changing World."
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