Inspiring journey of social work in Somalia

Being a Social Worker through rewarding & challenging landscape

In my first days of university, I recall when a lecturer posed a question that left us perplexed; “Who is a human being?”. We sat in silence until he remarked, “Everyone who lives for the sake of others is a human being.” That was the moment I realized that there is a distinction between merely being human and embodying the essence of a human being.

Here in my blog, I aim to extend gratitude for the work that Somali social work professionals do. your efforts to support the displaced people or the hosts in the difficult conditions in the country in recent years are not hidden and cannot be underestimated. From the Covid-19 Pandemic and conflict to emergency humanitarian crises and disease outbreaks, your work saves lives. Social workers that are in the forefront to protect the environment and advocate for greener cities. All these efforts that were starting from the streets, schools, universities, and extend to the houses, the clever work of beach cleaning campaign which is a volunteer effort that takes place every Friday morning, mostly at the area of Lido beach is unforgettable.

Also, It’s truly unforgettable for the each year fairs that serve as beacons of joy for underprivileged children (IDPs & Orphans), providing them with reasons to celebrate amidst challenging circumstances. Through community messages and donations, the fourth-year event managed to bring smiles to almost 2000 children, creating unforgettable moments of happiness.

Being a social worker entails being a promoter of social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment of individuals and communities, and that is what bring to a positive change for the lives. This work is both community and individually centered, requiring an understanding of human development, behavior, as well as social, economic, and cultural institutions and interactions.

All the work we do is social work, and what is most important is that every step taken forward benefits the entire society. However, there are specific individuals we dedicate our efforts to—the vulnerable. It is our collective responsibility to assist those in need and help them thrive. The ultimate goal of this profession is to create a world where everyone can enjoy their life and rights, advocating for the vulnerable and assisting them in their survival.

Social work professionals worldwide have made significant contributions to society through their hard work and dedication to families and communities. Jane Addams (1860–1935) was a pioneer in this field, known for setting up Hull House, a sanctuary for the defenseless and immigrants to find a safe and secure space to call home and school. Her focus on education for adults, children’s welfare, culture, and social progress transformed Hull House into a thriving community center.

Her legacy continued as she gathered a group of resolute young women who became advocates for democratization movement during the Progressive Era. While the profession has its pioneers Jane Addams stays the mother of the profession and a guiding light in the profession, and may she rest in peace. Not only that but anyone who overcomes significant obstacles to safeguard and promote human rights is a respected social worker, likewise Amelia Earhart (1897–1939) another pioneer of working for the vulnerable as she followed her passion for helping others at Denison House in Boston.

Social workers to achieve nine crucial competencies outlined the CSWE. Firstly, To:

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior,
• Engage diversity and difference in practice, advance human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice,
• Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice,
• Engage in policy practice,
• Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities,
• Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities,
• Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, and
• Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

These principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire. As you may see, no door is blocked for the profession, and that is an answer that the profession is related to any social science discipline.

Additionally, the profession is based on the NASW Code of Ethics; Firstly:

• Service,
• Social justice,
• Dignity and worth of the person,
• Importance of human relationships,
• Integrity,
• Competence.

Going back to the principles of the profession, there is no universal culture, and the profession deeply relates to building the community. The way of shaping and engineering is always based on one’s philosophical, cultural, not from elsewhere but the minds of local scholars and by not violating human rights. There is no universal culture that fits all the world, which is where the debate between relativism and universalism emerges not here to describe them, but briefly where bias can come into play since I am fan of relativism. However, it is a thing that I encourage you ‘my reader’ to cast about the concept by yourself.

In Somalia, the practice of social work was in place before the colonial era. The growth of this line of work coupled with the spread of Islam in the country. Indeed, the Islamic religion, cultural practice, tradition, and customary institutions all provide a long history of social cohesiveness—whether it is family- or extended family-based work, tribal group work, clan, or kin-based work, or just any other form of communal work done to contribute to the well-being of either an individual, a family, or any group in need of the service concerned. However, social work as a profession reached Somalia in 2018 and the first certified social workers graduated in 2022.

Being a qualified social worker means always keeping in mind that each case is unique, presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities for positive change and remembering that every success, no matter how small, is a cause for celebration.

Come to the ones who, as the sun rises, begin with serving the community. Review the caseload, prioritize tasks, and prepare for the day ahead. Work might be a home visit to check on a family in crisis, a meeting at a community center to discuss resources for a struggling individual, or a school visit to support a student in need. Advocating for systemic change and social justice for marginalized communities, seeing trauma, and navigating complex family dynamics are all part of the journey. All of this while always prioritizing mental and physical well-being is crucial.

I always say proudly “one to live for a purpose of him/herself is an easy task, what is more serious is to live for a purpose other than him/herself – and that is social/community work.” Hear this from me, being a social worker is not a job where your bank accounts will be filled ; it is a calling, a passion that drives one to empower, advocate and support those in need.

The path of social work is one of continuous growth, learning, and transformation. Let me say to you, social workers: “You are honored to be a part of a profession that embodies the values of compassion, resilience, and social justice.” Thank you for serving society and reshaping lives! I acknowledge and appreciate the important work you do. Keep it up, serving for all, while also prioritizing your own well-being.