ISWD strives
to promote social work as a necessary component of international
development. Social workers are trained to work with various
stakeholders at community, national and international levels.
Social workers are already engaged in a number of professional
positions in the field of international development and are
making meaningful contributions. ISWD recognizes that creating
a centralized base or reference site on “social work
and development” to these individuals is imperative.
ISWD believes social workers can ensure the “human
aspect” is incorporated into international development
efforts. Social work focuses on the process, the people, and
the environment in the international development process which
affects directly and indirectly on the well-being of all people
who are involved.
ISWD strongly supports the professional and ethical conduct
of social workers to ensure democracy throughout the development
process of identifying the needs, planning of interventions
as well as monitoring and evaluation is critical for effective
development, it also sets the direction for “Inclusive
Development” that reflects the community’s best
interests.
ISWD considers
the social work core skills of assessment, planning, organization,
negotiation, resource mobilization, management, monitoring
and evaluation as critical to successful international development.
The ability to bring different activities and individuals into
collective efforts maximizes the effectiveness of aid efforts
and other development activities that empower people in the
development process.
ISWD in its work promotes the involvement of social workers
in the development process because social workers assure the
inclusion of psychological and social needs of the individuals.
The success of development programs is guaranteed because the
psychosocial aspects of the beneficiaries are addressed.
ISWD recognizes that many international
development programs are spasmodic interventions. Social
workers provide a “continuity of development” which
is often lacking in international development efforts. Social workers provide
a bridge between the development donor and the in-country beneficiaries and
ought to be considered as an integral part of donor funding. Advocating for
current community needs would be another role of the ISWD in coordination with
the “local” community social worker and “national” and
“international” social workers. |
