Highlights of the Collaboration:

·        Global Unity: Students from the University of Indonesia (UI), University of Pretoria (UP), and The University of Queensland (UQ) bridged gaps between Australia, Indonesia, and South Africa.

·        Deep Dives: Breakout sessions sparked vital dialogue on Poverty & Inequality, Gender Justice, and Mental Health.

To our future leaders: thank you for living the spirit of Harambee—pulling together to build an inclusive, thriving world.

(Led by Dr. Dorothee Hölscher (University of Queensland) and Dr. Corlie Giliomee (University of Pretoria), with Dr. Getar Hati (University of Indonesia) joining this year’s project.)

✨ The future of social work is in capable hands!

#SocialWork #Harambee2026 #GlobalUnity #FutureLeaders #UI #UP #UQ

The National Association of Social Workers of Uganda -Naswu President Dr. Moses Senkosi Balyejjusa, called upon members to make Social Work visible in their communities for them to appreciate the great role the profession contributes in building a better community.

Dr. Jacob Eneji Ashibi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Kampala International University a registered Social Workers with Nigerian Social Workers Association though practicing in Uganda reminded the attendees to build community strength by coming together for a common purpose putting a side our divisions.

The Executive Director - Susan Kajura of The Bantwana Initiative noted that an effective social work movement starts with an equipped and well supported social work students workforce and graduates through mentorship and capacity building forums which is the backbone of its partnership with NASWU.

Presentations from Executive Director of Child's i Foundation Mr. David Adoke, Executive Director of UCRNN-Officia Mr. Damon Wamara, social work students made presentations on theme and with emphasis, for social workers to prioritse understanding community problems better and develop contextually relevant solutions.

The panel discussions on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in higher education moderated by Dr. Kukundakwe Rebecca (Private Sector Foundation of Uganda), called for a joint contribution and participation for both self and neighbours safety from any form of SGBV.

This year World Social Work day was physically attended by over 507 social students and practitioners from 13 Universities, 7 Social Work institutions and United Nations Agency (UNESCO) and 403 stakeholders took part virtually https://www.youtube.com/live/vssptoKvnhw?si=S5fxjjwRdl0uGkek .

We thank all stakeholders for participating supporting the Uganda World Social Work Day 2026 celebration.

Next Destination is Nairobi for the World Social Work Conference in June 2026. #Harambee

Led by the Association of Social Workers in Malawi (ASWIM), the day started with a solidarity march within the City of Lilongwe during which participants shared advocacy messages and highlighted the critical role social workers play in contributing to Malawi’s development. More importantly, the march served as both a visibility and awareness platform, showcasing the impact of social work in communities.

To climax the day, social workers gathered at University of Lilongwe where various activities were held. These included inspiring stories of impact from practicing social workers, student performances, media engagement and official speeches marking the significance of the day.

In his remarks, Joseph Kalelo, ASWIM President called for the enactment of the Social Workers Practitioners Bill which is currently in draft form and also encouraged social workers to remain united despite the challenges that they face in their work. The Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry responsible for Social Welfare Enock Bonongwe recognized and appreciated the transformative role that social workers play in advancing national development and committed to making every effort in ensuring that the social work practitioners bill is passed into law in order to safeguard the integrity of the profession.

#WorldSocialWorkDay2026 
#CoBuildingHopeAndHarmony 
#HarambeeForSocialWork 
#ASWiMMalawi 
#SocialWorkMalawi 
#ADayInTheLifeOfASocialWorker  

It was more than just a walk, it was a movement. A reminder that social work is not just a profession, but a calling rooted in compassion, justice, and change. Seeing people come together with one voice and one vision inspired me deeply and strengthened my passion to be part of transforming lives in our communities.

Viva Social Work in Africa! 🌍✨

Equally important was supporting his family through the emotional weight of the moment. I gently counseled his wife and children, helping them understand and accept the reality of the situation, while encouraging them to express their love and say their goodbyes. Though it was heartbreaking, it was also deeply meaningful to witness their final moments together. He passed away that same day, but not alone—he left this world surrounded by love, with his family given the chance to find closure. That experience reminded me that both nursing and social work are ultimately about compassion, humanity, and walking with people through their most vulnerable moments.

By Tiyamike Muhapateya

Social work has always been an inspiring course for me since forever the fact of being close to people and interacting brings joy and feeling of belonging

Happy to be and becoming an innovator ☮️🥰

As social workers, our work is more than a profession; it is a shared purpose. Every day, we are reminded why we chose this path: to serve, to advocate, and to stand with those whose voices are often unheard.

Together, we are co-building hope and harmony in our communities. We are proud of the work we do and deeply grateful for the people we serve and stand with.

#SocialWorkMonth #CoBuildingHopeAndHarmony #ProudSocialWorkers

17 th March 2026

Co-Building Hope and Harmony call to unite a divided society ,

This day reminds me alot,

Social workers plays the vital role in promoting social change, protecting human rights, and improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

For everybody to live a happy life in this world

This year’s theme , reminds us of the importance of compassion, resilience, and collective responsibility in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Social workers stand at the forefront of advocating for justice, equality, and justice, ensuring that no one is left behind .

Social workers really work tirelessly to make everyone happy.may God bless every social worker in this world.

Lilongwe University DMI

At first, my help was simple. I would listen to people when they were going through difficult times, encourage friends who were feeling hopeless, and offer assistance whenever I could. Those small acts made me realize that helping others brought me deep happiness and purpose.

As time went on, I learned that social work is more than just helping—it is about understanding people, empowering communities, and standing up for those whose voices are not heard. Social work teaches compassion, patience, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

What inspires me most is seeing a positive change in someone’s life. Even a small improvement—like someone smiling again, gaining confidence, or finding hope—reminds me why I love social work so much.

For me, social work is not just a profession; it is a calling. It is about serving humanity, bringing hope where there is despair, and making the world a better place, one person at a time.

I celebrate by learning Serving and committing myself to becoming a professional social worker who changes lives for the better,

Happy social work month to you all Social Workers ♥️🎉

I decided to become a social worker because I wanted to be a voice for vulnerable elderly people and help improve their lives by serving and advocating for their rights. My goal is to provide care, support, and dignity to older people, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and not alone. I believe everyone deserves to age with love, respect, and proper care.

Social work is about supporting people, especially those who are vulnerable, to improve their lives. It is about listening, protecting, and empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges.

As social workers, we promote dignity, respect, and equality. We stand with children, youth, women, and communities to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

 is not just a celebration, but also a reminder for all of us to care for one another, show kindness, and work together to build stronger and safer communities?

Let us continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

That is what social workers do. We look at what is broken and refuse to look away. We bring communities together. We turn policy into protection. We walk alongside young people until they believe they deserve better.

Our contribution is not just in the programs we run, but in the trust we build. In the girl who now knows her body belongs to her. In the community that chooses to protect instead of harm. In the enforcement of a law that was once ignored. These victories big and small are what we contribute.

So let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep sharing what works. Let’s keep training, advocating, and loving this work even when it asks everything of us. Because when social workers rise, young people rise. And that is how we change the world one life, one law, one transformed community at a time.

The Association of Social Work Students celebrated World Social Work Day in style and every frame tells a story. From our distinguished dignitaries who were kind enough to grace us with their presence, to the passionate students who make this community what it is, to a dramatic presentation that left the room in awe, every moment was a reminder of the power and purpose behind social work. 🎭🙌

This is what it looks like when dedication meets community. We are proud, we are inspired, and we are ready. 💛🌍

We are ASSOWK and this is only the beginning. 🚀

#worldsocialworkday2026 #assowkknust #socialworkstudents