World Social Work Day 2026

The 2026 World Social Work Day theme, “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society”, draws inspiration from the African philosophy of Harambee; a collective call for unity, mutual support, and shared responsibility (International Federation of Social Workers). It encourages social workers, governments, institutions, and communities to work together to address global challenges such as conflict, inequality, displacement, and environmental crises. The theme advocates moving beyond charity and service delivery toward genuine solidarity, systemic change, and collective action to build a more united and hopeful society.

In response to this call, the Social Work Training and Research Centre hosted two events: (1) a Harambee Hurricane Melissa In-Class Discussion with first-year Associate Degree Social Work students from Pre-UWI PolyTech, and (2) a Migration & Integration in a Divided Society webinar featuring international experts in the field of social work.

16 March 2026

Harambee: Hurricane Melissa In-Class Discussion with the Pre-UWI Social Work Associate Degree Students

Social workers from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Jamaica shared stories with the PreUWI Social Work Associate Degree students of how they supported the vulnerable during Hurricane Melissa 2025 and other disasters.

Building trust with individuals and families experiencing trauma
Dexter Phillips, Administrator and Social Worker

Technology improves the Ministry's disaster response and coordination
Jacqueline Shepherd, Director, Disaster, Rehabilitation and Welfare Management Unit

26 March 2026

Migration and Integration in a Divided Society

Against the backdrop of rising global migration, displacement, and increasing debates around social cohesion and inclusion, this webinar explored the challenges and opportunities of building more equitable and integrated societies. Bringing together researchers and practitioners from The University of the West Indies (The UWI), the Social Work Training and Research Centre (SWTRC), Friedensau Adventist University (FAU), and Blossom Inc, Guyana, the programme examined migration through diverse regional and international perspectives.

Welcome Message
Sarah Bailey-Belafonte
Head of Centre (Acting), The UWI SWTRC

Overview of The UWI-FAU Collaboration
Daniel Bendix, PhD
Professor, Friedensau Adventist University

They Don't Want Me Here." Black African Migrants and Belongingness in East Germany“
Kwaku Arhin-Sam, PhD
Professor, Friedensau Adventist University

Children with Migration Experiences affected by Disability and Chronic Conditions in Germany
Friedegard Föltz
Vice Rector, Friedensau Adventist University

Overview of The UWI-Blosssom Inc. Collaboration
Antoinette Emmanuel
Programme Office, The UWI SWTRC

From Nomadism to Modernity: Social Integration of the Warrau Indigenous People
Leana Thompson
Programme Manager, Blossom Inc.

Previous WSWD Celebrations