The President of the National Association of Social Workers of Liberia (NASOWL), Dr. J. Kerkula Foeday, has revealed that the institution is facing numerous challenges since its formation about 20 years ago.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, during the observance of World Social Work Day in Monrovia, Dr. Foeday noted that the institution does not have a headquarters of its own, making it difficult for people to locate them easily.
He also appealed to the National Legislature through the government of Liberia for NASOWL to be granted autonomous status based on its work in the country.
“If we are given autonomous agency status by the government of Liberia, it will enable us to pursue our own goals and objectives without constant government intervention. It will also allow us to provide more job opportunities for Liberians across the fifteen political subdivisions of the country,” Dr. Foeday said.
According to him, NASOWL has well-trained professionals and dedicated individuals who are contributing significantly to families and communities by addressing challenges and improving well-being through counseling, advocacy, and resource provision.
Dr. Foeday further called on the government to assign the Social Welfare component under the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare to NASOWL for better management.
He lauded both local and international partners, including the government of Liberia, for their support toward the institution’s operations.
The observance of World Social Work Day in Monrovia was held under the theme: “Strengthening Communities Through Social Work for Inclusive and Enduring Well-Being in Liberia,” aligned with the global theme: “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-Being.”
Also speaking at the event, the 16th President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, emphasized the need for greater attention to be given to social workers across Liberia and the world, acknowledging their critical role in society.
Dr. Maparyan highlighted five key areas that social workers should prioritize to enhance their effectiveness:
- Advancing Education: Continuing education is essential for social workers to remain up-to-date and relevant in addressing their clients’ immediate needs.
- Serving the Community: From working in schools to leading substance abuse support groups, social workers should have a strong desire to empower and assist communities.
- Providing One-on-One Support: Social workers often provide individualized support, addressing a range of challenges from physical and mental health issues to social concerns.
- Assisting Families: Supporting families requires collaboration to address concerns such as economic hardship and mental health issues by connecting them to community resources.
- Influencing Social Policy: With their expertise in societal issues, social workers can advocate for and influence policies that benefit marginalized communities.
Dr. Maparyan pledged the University of Liberia’s commitment to collaborating with social workers across the country to address issues impacting citizens.
The program brought together several students from the University of Liberia, AME University, United Methodist University, Stella Maris Polytechnic University, and others.
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