Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) to host International Conference in Durban

Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) to host International Conference in Durban

The Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) in cooperation with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and all partner Higher Education Institutions in South Africa will host an international ground-breaking, hybrid conference at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban from 27 to 29 September 2023.

Themed: Advancing Social Work Praxis through Strengthened Multi-Sectoral Responses to Adversity, Vulnerability, and Trauma, the conference is the first of its kind post the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three-day event will bring together world-renowned researchers, academics, practitioners, students, policymakers, and human rights and social justice advocates from around the globe to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative strategies.

Internationally-acclaimed philanthropist and founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman will present the keynote address, offering his unique experiences, perspectives and thought-provoking insights.

ASASWEI President and Chairperson of the International Association of Social Work for Groups (IASWG), Dr Poppy Masinga said: ‘The conference takes place in a country that continues to experience unprecedented weather patterns which places members of society at more risk than they already are due to unabating historical inequalities and injustices. Moreover, the global community is grappling with complex socio-economic, political, and environmental challenges. Hence, the role of the social work profession cannot be overstated.’

She added that social service professionals served as beacons of hope in the face of such complex national, regional, and global challenges. ‘With their vast research expertise, social work practice knowledge and skills, they inspire transformation, resilience, empowerment and hope. In particular, their role in advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable members of society should not be underestimated.’

Masinga remarked that the conference offers a platform for multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary face-to-face and virtual engagement that will enable participants to exchange knowledge, insights, innovation, and experiences to grow further and enhance social work, health and mental health, and related social sciences fields.

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of the Gift of the Givers will share their wealth of knowledge and expertise in responding to varied forms of disaster. Their speech will in no doubt inspire conference participants to be self-reflexive and self-critical in reviewing their traditional approaches, challenge their assumptions and biases, and explore new context-relevant responses to develop innovative interventions that promote empowerment and sustainable change.

Panel discussions, parallel sessions, skills development workshops and poster presentations will enhance participants’ knowledge, skills, and offer practical tools and techniques, ensuring that everyone leaves the conference feeling empowered to face the harsh realities of modern-day society.

For more information and registration details visit: https://asaswei.org.za.

Words: ASASWEI EXCO

Image: Supplied