Lisbeth Ramashala, recently appointed programmes manager and senior social worker at Edenvale Child Welfare, highlights the importance of having social workers in the community.
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With six-and-a-half years of experience in the social work field, Ramashala said the expertise of a social worker could be highly advantageous to individuals, communities and entities.
One of her primary roles is providing safety for children, usually in their home setting. She said it is crucial to protect this group from any trauma.
She joined the organisation in 2021.
The 31-year-old said being a social worker had always been her dream.
“The moment I discovered the career, I was smitten. Interacting with and assisting others are qualities I truly appreciate, making this profession perfect for me.
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“I used to volunteer at various organisations before qualifying as a professional.
“This work aligns with who I am,” said Ramashala.
From 2013 until 2016, she studied through Unisa to be a social worker.
For her, social workers in a community are teachers, enablers and advocators.
“As social workers, we provide counselling, help to find solutions to conflicts and develop improvement plans.
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“We give advice and are investigators in our communities to be able to get to the bottom of what the problems are.
“Part of finding a solution is assessing the situation and interacting with people,” she concluded.