Participants of the 17th Eurasia Forum of Social Workers, taking place in Minsk on 27-29 May, shared with journalists which aspects of Belarus’ experience in the social sector interest them most, BelTA has learned.
Director of the Republican Integrated Social Service Center and chairperson of the board of the Union of Social Workers of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Natalia Pakhomova, noted that for practicing professionals the forum provides an opportunity to learn about new technologies and working methods.
“We expect a great deal from Belarus. Even from the airport it was clear that Belarus is stable, colorful and welcoming. We want to learn about new technologies that help people live dignified and happy lives; how you care for older people and how efficiently you provide social services. And, of course, we hope for new connections so that social workers can build friendships, understand one another and stay on the same wavelength,” said Natalia Pakhomova.
According to her, the principles of providing social services in Belarus and in her region are similar, though there are differences. “In permafrost conditions, when eight out of 12 months are winter, the approach to children, families and most citizens is completely different. But the goal is the same: to live with dignity and make the most of one’s happy life,” she said.
A member of the Board of the Russian Union of Social Workers and Social Educators Antonina Dashkina stressed that it is impossible to unify approaches in the social sector, as there are both broad groups in need of assistance, such as older people, and narrower categories.
“Our task is to see what is being done, how and where, take the best practices and implement them at home,” she noted.
The forum brought together experts from more than 10 countries, including the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. Over two days, participants will exchange experience in healthy and active ageing, social service organization and child welfare. Afterwards, they will study the work of Belarus’ state social care and education institutions.
The Eurasia Forum of Social Workers is a leading international platform for social welfare professionals and scholars, enabling intercultural knowledge exchange and the development of social work practices. The forum was founded in 2005 by associations of social workers in Russia and the Republic of Korea. Previous events were held in Russia, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
