About us
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Who We are!
Welcome to the Young Social Workers Network SA, your premier Academic and Professional Network for Social Workers in South Africa. We are a voluntary professional network committed to inclusivity and progress, we are a non-racial, non-discriminatory, non-ageist organization dedicated to fostering Change, Growth, and Impact within the field of Social Work. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our communities.
Our History
The Young Social Workers Network (YSWN) originated as an idea in 2018 and came to fruition with its official launch on May 5th, 2023, in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa. This milestone was achieved in collaboration with the Social Work Department at the University of the Free State (SA), marking the beginning of our journey to empower and unite social workers across the nation.
Who
We Cater for!
We primarily cater for Qualified, Registered and Practicing Social Workers across all ages & different spheres of practice. The Network also caters for:
- Auxiliary-Social Workers,
- Child and Youth-Care Workers, as well as,
- Student Social Workers currently pursuing a qualification in Social Work.
Our Objectives
Network’s Main Objectives as it Pertains to The Profession and Our Communities:
To serve as a Network for Change, Growth & Impact.
To promote community-based Psychosocial Support projects.
To bring back the Esteem, Respect and Dignity of the Social Work profession in SADC.
Our Values
1. Respect.
2. Human Dignity.
3. Equity and Equality.
4. Dedication and Discipline.
5. Participation and Partnerships.
✓ Respect – Our mission is to produce transformational leaders who shall at all times demonstrate Respect and Honour towards each other and the profession.
✓ Equity and Equality – The values of fairness, impartiality and parity are qualities that we uphold at all times as a Network.
✓ Participation and Partnerships – The Network values partnerships and cooperation over and above individualism.
✓ Human Dignity – The human dignity of all members of the network is respected at all times.
✓ Dedication & Discipline – All members of our network demonstrate Discipline and Dedication at all times.
YSWN Founding Statement
‘’The Network is not a money-making scheme, nor a popularity contest; Our lifelong existential purpose is to create a platform where we Give to the profession & our Communities more than we Receive, thus leaving a LEGACY that will out-live us and linger long after we have retired, expired or left the profession.’’