Latest news with #SocialWork


Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored
RIYADH: Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and president of the Saudi Media Forum, was recently honored with the 2025 Gratitude Award for Inspiring Leaders. Presented by the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, the award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have had a profound impact on their communities. Commenting on the honor, Al-Harthi stated: 'Giving is an intrinsic part of the Saudi identity, deeply rooted in a generous homeland and inspiring leadership. 'I am one of this nation's people striving to serve it with all we have. We will continue to work tirelessly for as long as we live because our country deserves nothing less. 'Each of us has unique tools within our fields that must be dedicated to serving the nation, society, and humanity.' Al-Harthi has built a distinguished career across print, broadcast, and digital media, earning both regional and international awards in recognition of his creativity and achievements in the media landscape. He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives and launched major media projects, held leadership roles in prominent local and global media organizations, and contributed to organizing events and festivals that have significantly elevated the status of Saudi media both regionally and internationally. The award underscores Al-Harthi's dedication to serving society and inspiring a new generation of media professionals.


CBC
30-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Complex health needs of unhoused populations are preventing palliative care access, Lakehead U. review finds
Social Sharing Individuals experiencing homelessness are facing sustained barriers to accessing palliative care, largely stemming from stigmas associated with previous experiences with healthcare providers. That's according to a new scoping review from Lakehead University, published in the journal BMC palliative care on July 18. The review examined 45 studies on palliative care within unhoused populations, including 18 from Canada. It is part of a broader study funded by Health Canada looking into palliative care access among vulnerable populations, said Ravi Gokani, an associate professor at Lakehead University's School of Social Work, and a co-author of the study. The complexities of healthcare needs for unhoused individuals can create barriers to the kind of care available, as well as an ongoing lack of the healthcare professionals qualified to provide the necessary care, the study says. "One of the key findings is that there is a need for a focus on the relationship between the healthcare providers and the people seeking access," Gokani says. Palliative care is aimed at improving the quality of life for patients experiencing serious illness, often towards the end of their lives. Across Canada, palliative care services have been rising over the past few years. According to Health Canada, 58% of Canadians who died in 2021-2022 had accessed palliative care, while seniors aged 65 to 84 were the most likely to receive this type of care. However, when it comes to unhoused populations in North America, the review points out the average age of death is 34 to 47. Many times, unhoused individuals may not know that they need end-of-life care until it is too late. "They're seeing doctors very intermittently," said Brendan Carlin, executive director of Shelter House in Thunder Bay. "By the time it gets to that point, it's too late or they just say 'why would I get this care? I'm gonna pass away anyway.'" One of the biggest barriers restricting access to palliative care for unhoused individuals is the lack of trust they themselves may hold against healthcare providers, feelings originating from previous negative experiences, the review says. Carlin says negative interactions can include cases of mistreatment due to stigmas surrounding homelessness, or racism that they've experienced at the hands of healthcare providers. The review also points out organizational policies are the most common palliative care provider-related barrier for unhoused individuals. Policies that may be put in place to protect staff, such as ensuring the safety of their working environment and substance use polices can prove to be prohibitive to allowing unhoused individuals access to care, Gokani says. "Generally, the findings suggest harm reduction policies don't impede access, but abstinence-based policies do impede access to palliative care." Another organizational policy that can be prohibitive is the definition they may have for family, potentially restricting patients from seeing some of the individuals to whom they are closest. "Some of our clients don't have a lot of family support, if any at all, and when you're unhoused, you tend to spend your time with lots of people," Carlin said. "When you're going to a hospital and it has to be blood relatives or whatever, you just think, well why would I want to go there?" Seeking collaborative solutions Integrated models combining palliative care with shelter support services or a system navigator can prove to be beneficial in improving access to palliative care, the review says. In these instances, individuals most in need of end-of-life support can get the care they need from staff and individuals they feel comfortable with. The review also noted embedding palliative care specialists within shelters made it easier for the subject to be discussed between unhoused individuals and medical professionals. Thunder Bay's Shelter House is making progress in integrating palliative care within its own services. Beginning this fall, the shelter will offer a pair of palliative care units within its expanded Kwae Kii Win Managed Alcohol Program. Carlin says the palliative care units will be bigger than the standard rooms offered to clients in the program, making room for visitors and medical equipment. He says the new palliative care program will be jointly managed by NorWest Community Health Centres.


Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
IGNOU invites applications for Online Master's Programme in Social Work, check course details
The School of Social Work at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched the online programme on Master of Social Work that begins from the July Session 2025. The course has been designed to cater to the rising demand for professionally trained social workers across India and internationally. Also read: IGNOU ODL, Online Admissions 2025: Register for July session via direct link here The programme also offers learners an inclusive, accessible, and flexible platform for postgraduate education in social work, along with the opportunity to deepen their theoretical and practical understanding in the field. Learners of the programme will be able to engage effectively with individuals, families, and communities, IGNOU informed. Also read: Mental Health Courses by Government: List of courses offered by IGNOU, TISS, NIMHANS and others Furthermore, the university highlighted that the MSWOL programme will open the doors to impactful careers in child welfare, healthcare, education, mental health, community development, policy advocacy, and corporate social responsibility, across governmental, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Also read: UPSC Prelims Result 2025 declared at here's what is next for qualifying candidates Programme Code: MSWOL Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university Medium of Instruction: English Duration: 2 Years (Minimum) | 4 Years (Maximum) Credits: 72 Examination Mode: Annual Study Materials: Digital Indian Students: ₹18,500/- per year SAARC Students: ₹29,600/- per year Non-SAARC International Students: ₹1300/- per year Candidates who are interested in the pursuing the online programme can apply through this direct link. Candidates can also contact programme coordinators Dr. Saumya and Dr. Binod Kumar at MSWOLINFO@
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
School of Social Work at King's University College Adopts Casper Assessment Into Its Holistic Admissions Process
The admissions' process for both undergraduate and graduate programs of the School of Social Work at King's University College will now require the Casper test, which assesses key professional skills – like empathy, ethics, and teamwork – that are essential in the social work profession TORONTO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acuity Insights, the leading provider of admissions assessment, program management, and analytics solutions for higher education, is pleased to announce that the School of Social Work at King's University College will adopt the Casper situational judgment test to help ensure students have the professional skills needed for academic and career success. The School of Social Work will introduce Casper into its admissions criteria starting in the Fall of 2025. 'By providing insight into the social intelligence and professional skills of applicants, Casper allows us to gain a more holistic understanding of individual candidates. This supports our commitment to preparing future Social Workers who are not only academically capable, but also ethically grounded, critically reflective, and equipped to lead meaningful change in their communities,' says Dr. Jane E. Sanders, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator. The addition of the Casper situational judgment test will supplement the School's existing admissions process for both its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW). Incorporating the review of non-academic skills with an evidence-based and research-backed assessment will allow for a more complete, well-rounded picture of each applicant. The introduction of Casper into the admissions processes reflects King's and the School of Social Work's deep commitment to holistic admissions, recognizing not only academic achievement, but also the personal and professional qualities essential for success in the field of social work. At a time when the world is facing growing social challenges and inequities, integrating a tool like Casper helps ensure future social workers are not only technically proficient, but also prepared to enter real-world scenarios in a way that is deeply empathetic, ethical, and collaborative. Matt Holland, CEO of Acuity Insights, says, 'King's School of Social Work's ground-breaking programs offer an innovative, hands-on learning experience for future social workers, ensuring that they are well prepared to make a deep impact in the communities they will eventually serve. We're pleased to partner with King's School of Social Work, and we believe that Casper will support the School's commitment to a holistic, robust, and fair admissions process.' About the School of Social Work at King's University College The School of Social Work, King's University College at Western University is a welcoming and dynamic environment for learning. At the School of Social Work, we care about our students and are committed to excellence in preparing professional social workers of the future. Our Social Work programs are fully accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Education and we have been graduating professional social workers for over fifty years. Regardless of where their careers lead them, the grounding in generalist (BSW) and direct (MSW) social work practice that students acquire at King's has provided an invaluable foundation for the important work they do. The School of Social Work has developed a strong reputation for the academic and practice excellence of our graduates – partly because we admit students who show exceptional promise, partly because of the fine educational program that we offer, and partly because our students invest a great deal of energy and effort into their learning. We also believe that a big part of our success is due to our relatively small size. At King's you are not a face in the crowd. We get to know our students and they get to know us. Because we are an integral part of Western University our students have full access to the benefits of a large university, but our location at King's means we can offer small classes and provide personalized attention to each student's needs. About Casper Casper is an open-response situational judgment test (SJT) that measures social intelligence and professionalism, and is backed by 20 years of data. Research consistently shows that demonstrating effective interpersonal skills contributes significantly to success during academic programs and in future careers. Casper presents applicants with scenarios and questions that allow them to demonstrate these skills and the extent to which they can respond to challenging scenarios in a professional and socially intelligent manner, by using their diverse life experiences. Its open-response format, with both video and text, ensures it cannot be gamed by humans or AI, unlike most other SJTs, which use a multiple-choice format. The Casper assessment tool measures skills such as: Communication Collaboration Empathy Fairness Teamwork The evidence-based assessment is used by over 650 program partners worldwide in various fields, including the following educational programs: Medicine Health Sciences Teaching Business Engineering Social Work Visit our website to discover how Casper can support your admissions goals. About Acuity Insights Acuity Insights is the leading provider of admissions assessment, program management, and analytics solutions for higher education. The company's solutions help higher education institutions deliver on their mission holistically, considering the whole student, widening pathways into higher education, and ensuring both student and program success. Recognized as one of Canada's Top Growing Companies by the Globe & Mail for the past six consecutive years, Acuity's solutions are used by nearly 650 higher education programs worldwide. The Casper situational judgment test (SJT), taken by more than 1 million since its inception, is the most widely used open-response SJT in higher education and is backed by almost 20 years of efficacy research. For more information, visit Media contact: Brianna Bell, Senior Content & Communications Managerbbell@ beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten


Zawya
18-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Nigeria: FG restates commitment towards strengthening social welfare systems
The federal government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment towards strengthening social welfare systems, empowering communities, and improving the quality of care for vulnerable individuals across Nigeria. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yakubu Kofamarta who gave the assurance while delivering the keynote address at the opening of a two-day capacity building workshop for Kano State Social Workers held in Kano State, expressed optimism that the workshop will be 'a turning point in strengthening the social work profession in Nigeria.' The two-day workshop was organized with a view to equip Social Workers in the State with knowledge, skills and the resources necessary to address working challenges for Social Workers ranging from poverty, gender based violence to the child protection issues and humanitarian crises. He said: 'As you are aware, Social Work is a helping profession and equally the heart of any nation's progress. They serve as a foundation for inclusion, empowerment, and social justice. 'However, in an increasingly complex world with rising social and economic challenges—ranging from poverty and gender-based violence to child protection issues and humanitarian crises—it is imperative that we equip our frontline officers —with the knowledge, skills, ane resources necessary to address the evolving needs effectively. 'As Social Workers, as well as Assistant Caregivers, you play a crucial role in ensuring that government policies and programmes are not just well designed but effectively implemented to reach those who need them most. Whether you are involved in child welfare, community empowerment, elder care, or rehabilitation services, your work directly impacts the quality of life of countless individuals and families. 'However, despite the nobility of your work, it comes with immense challenges. The ever-growing demand for social services, the emotional weight of handling vulnerable populations, and the need to navigate complex cases require continuous training, innovation, and professional development. 'That is why this capacity-building workshop is not just another training, it is a strategic investment in you, the dedicated professionals who serve as the backbone of our nation's humanitarian sector. 'The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is deeply committed to promoting policies and initiatives that support social welfare, protect the vulnerable, and empower communities. 'Some of our ongoing efforts in this regard include: ensuring and supporting the Inauguration of the Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Act, 2022; expanding Social Protection Programs to ensure that the most vulnerable Nigerians have access to critical support services; strengthening Community Development Initiatives to create self reliant, resilient, and empowered communities; enhancing capacity-building Efforts to ensure that frontline workers, like yourselves, are well-trained and well-equipped to deliver high-quality services as well as advancing Child and Elderly Care Services by integrating modern caregiving approaches and community-based support systems. 'We understand that without a skilled and motivated workforce, even the best policies will not achieve their desired impact. This is why continuous learning, upskilling, and professional development are among the ministry's top priorities. 'Consequently, the role you play in uplifting communities, protecting vulnerable populations, and fostering sustainable development cannot be overemphasized. You are the agents of change, and your impact extends far beyond individual cases—it contributes to the overall well-being and progress of our society.' The technical sessions held during the workshop focused on: development on Social Work profession in Nigeria; Social Work Regulatory Act, mainstreaming the principles, ethics, value and techniques of Social Works as well as phycological support in the treatment of cases of post-traumatic stress disorder in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary in his opening remarks opined that 'this gathering reflects our commitment to strengthening social welfare systems, empowering communities and improving the quality of care for vulnerable individuals in Nigeria He further posited that'without a skilled and motivated workforce, even the best policies will not achieve their desired impact. This is why continuous learning, up skilling and professional development are among the ministries top priorities.' On her part, Commissioner for Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Hajia Amina Abdullah noted that 'our commitment to social development is not simply a duty; it's a profound responsibility that sharpen the life of children and disabled and other vulnerable groups in our communities.' Hajiya Abdullahi who was represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Mohammed Iliyasu tasked all the participants on the need to improve on their existing skills, modify their impacts and find creative solutions that have the potential to transform lives. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (