Dear Editor,
Frontline, sideline, backline … social workers are always on the line assisting in every way possible!
So, on this day, March 18, 2021, we honor our unsung heroes for pushing forward and not giving up, even through challenging times!
The St. Maarten Social Workers Association(SSWA) established in 2014 with its main objective being to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers and to seek to enhance the effective functioning and well-being of individuals, families and communities through its work and through its advocacy hereby honors each and every one of you social workers.
Since 2014, many activities have been held to support and stimulate social workers in their field on the island. However, much more awareness of what exactly the work entails needs to be shared with the community at large.
Social workers are present at the various schools on the island, in government offices, in the corporate sector as well as at the hospital and correctional facility. Social workers main focus is on assisting and supporting others. However, due to the heavy workload, social workers often neglect themselves, which causes burnout or forces them to change their profession.
Social work is a calling and it takes special persons to carry out this function. It is also very honorable, as once you have helped someone the gratitude shown is unmeasurable.
More advocacy is needed, however, for the field, on all levels in the public and private sector.
On this day we look back in pride at our accomplishments as an association thus far; trainings, teambuilding events; expanding our membership; connecting with regional and international associations in the field of social work.
At the same time, we look to our future in which we will champion the field of social work more intensely, advocate for more public- and private-sector involvement in the area of social work.
Congratulations today, social workers! Continue to fight for those who cannot and will not!
Jina Mamtani-Mahbubani
President, St. Maarten Social Workers Association (SSWA)
