When choosing a career path, young adults often believe that if they have a passion for helping people, a career as a social worker is a good decision. Social work, especially in Africa, requires a number of unique skills with which to cope and assist those who are in need.

If a career in social work is your future, it is important to understand exactly what a social worker does and how they assist the communities in which they live. Social work, when described in the media, is the assistance of families, children and communities who are struggling with a variety of challenges.

Often, the gritty side of social work is left out of the media, giving young adults a false impression of what it truly means to be a social worker in Southern Africa. Did you know that in 2013/14, an average of 51 children were raped per day; that in 2013, there were 230 000 asylum-seekers awaiting decision as to whether they could live in South Africa; and that citizens in rural and underdeveloped areas have no access to clean water, schooling or medical care?

In essence, the role of a social worker is to  provide assistance, protection and support to those who are affected by injustices and social crises, just a few of which were named above.

If you’re searching for job opportunities or are interested in pursuing your studies in social work, take a look at the following advice on what it means to be a social worker in Southern Africa:

The Role of a Social Worker

Young graduates often believe that if they search for NGO jobs and end up in a position within a reputable organization, that they will be guaranteed a desk job and a substantial salary. However, both of those only come after years of experience in the field. The role of a social worker can be defined as someone who provides protection, support and assistance to individuals, families and children who are vulnerable, in need or are enduring a crises. With a qualification in social work, your role may also include the diagnoses and treatment of mental, behavioral and emotional concerns. It is also important to remember that social workers are either required to live in the community to which they provide their services or should be willing to travel in and out of an area or community on a daily basis.

The Challenges

As rewarding as social work can be, the role comes with a fair amount of challenges. Not only do social workers need to be prepared for the crises that they may face within a community, but they also need to be aware of the toll that the role takes on their personal health. Language barriers, racism, xenophobia and violence are also cause for concern when working with a range of different communities. Social workers are also faced with the challenge of limited resources, financial aid and facilities in which to perform their roles.

The Benefits

Despite the challenges that a social worker may face in Southern Africa, the benefits outweigh the trials. However, these benefits cannot be measured in salary or incentives but rather emotional satisfaction of doing something that makes the world a more positive place. For those who feel that their purpose is to serve and assist others, the benefits are immeasurable.

When it comes to graduate recruitment in the NGO sector, it is best to keep your eyes open for job opportunities on job portals. Not only will this ensure secure recruitment, but it will also ensure that you are able to find a job that best suits your needs and skillset.

Summary

Social work is a career driven by passion, and requires a unique skillset with which to cope with the unique type of social challenges that face South African society. Here is what you need to know about what it means to be a social worker in Southern Africa.

VISIT THE CORA BEKKER SOCIAL WORK SERVICES WEBSITE & FIND OUT MORE …

We want to change the world and influence an essence of hope and transformation for a child, their family and their communities. A smile, changes everything.

A GROUP of local cyclists started a gruelling 900km journey from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town on March 1, in a bid to help create awareness and funds for Operation Smile.

Operation Smile raises funds for children and young adults born with cleft lip, who are in desperate need of free surgical procedures.

The team of cyclists are cycling approximately 80km to 100km per day to cover the full distance to Cape Town and this will take place in the duration of 10 days.

Training preparations went well, averaging at three rides per week, including indoor training and partaking in local cycle races.

Operation Smile ambassador Shannon Smit said,

“We have had so much support, from food, to water, to kit, which we had sponsored by Rehydrate from Johnson&Johnson and so far we have raised R24000 and that works out to almost five smiles. A cleft lip or cleft pallet procedure is about 45 min and costs about R5600, so what is great about it is that it is a sort of ‘Pay it Foward’ – we help a child and it has an impact on his life, his mom and dad’s life, family and friends lives, right out into the community.”

“We are a group of mountain bikers known as the Sunday Ride Group – there is one gentlemen who has joined us all the way from the USA.”

“It costs a mere R5 600 to change a child’s life completely to rectify a cleft palate. We would like to use this opportunity to change as many lives as possible.”

A few words from some of the cyclists:

Robert: “This is a fantastic opportunity – I would suggest that everyone tries to do a route like this, as it is a true test of your character as well. It’s quite an easy ride, just very long.”

Travers Henrick: “I’m loving the journey so far – I actually can’t believe how beautiful this stretch of South Africa is. I’m taking it in – I haven’t seen so much bird life or beautiful sights along the way and also so many happy motorists, honestly if you wave, 90% of the people are waving back, hooting and flashing their lights, so the support just from randoms has been awesome.”

Rob Prideaux: “This has been an amazing experience, something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day but I’m looking forward to it.”

“It costs a mere R5 600 to change a child’s life completely to rectify a cleft palate. We would like to use this opportunity to change as many lives as possible.”

The ride kicked off from the Bridge Street Brewery in Port Elizabeth at 18:30 and the group has stopped off at various towns, such as Jeffreys Bay, Storms River, Plettenberg Bay and others all the way through to Cape Town, where they held talks on the importance of safe surgery, as well as the work done by Operation Smile.

Day 1: P.E – Jbay 

To view more images visit the Miles for Smiles Facebook Page – all photos courtesy of  @PatrickBrownPhotograph

View the rest of the route below…

Day 2 JBay

Day 3 Plett

Day 4: Knysna

Day 5, 6 & 7: George – Mosselbay – Riversdal

Day 8 & 9: Hermanus  – Greenpoint

Day 10 & 11: The Argus

This project will create awareness and raise funds to help Operation Smile fill the gap in providing access to safe, well-timed surgeries by partnering with hospitals, governments and ministries of health. Not only do they train local medical personnel, they donate much-needed supplies and equipment to surgical sites around the world.

We have been blessed with so much support to help us make this a reality ,to name a few; Knockout Branding, Sovereign Food, Just Milk, Rehidrat, King Cars Cape Road, Spar Newton Park, The Acre Spar. Thank you to everyone who has given a helping hand. It has been such a privilege to be able to do this campaign.

For more photos and information visit their Facebook Page.

Miles for Smiles PE to JBay Day 1