UNICEF supports the efforts of Turkmenistan on development of social work practice
Development of community-based social services and social work profession in Turkmenistan was discussed at a workshop held by UNICEF jointly with national partners from health, education and social protection sectors, parliament, Institute of Democracy and Human Rights, civil society based organizations, academia and a team of international experts from ‘Partnership for Every Child’ Consulting Group. “We, at United Nations, recognize that social work professional services can contribute to the achievement of country’s long-term goals of accelerating the growth and economic diversification while leaving no one behind”, stressed Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator, inaugurating the event. The international experts acquainted the audience with the international practice, guiding principles and lessons learnt in the area of social work. The development and introduction of social work services is a long-term process, which takes up to 10 years and requires strong funding support, intensive training of professional staff and institutionalisation of standards and practices in systems. Turkmenistan, being at the early stage of establishment of social work and family support services, has good opportunity for creating specialized social service system based on the country’s needs, positive family oriented traditions. This in turn will create potential to enhance living standards for all, including the most vulnerable children and families. The future steps in this direction include introduction of the social work curriculum for higher educational establishments, designing of standards for future social work professionals, adoption of the Action Plan for the development of social services for children and families 2018-2028. “Today’s workshop demonstrated collaborative approach to work towards making inclusive and specialized social services at community level for all vulnerable families a reality. The ownership of the government is very promising and is a step towards realization of the rights of all children in Turkmenistan,” said Ms. Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan. UNICEF and Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, as well as other partners cooperate in rolling out the social work profession and family-support services for children since 2016. Government’s ongoing efforts to adjust national legislation related to children’s well-being with the international standards provide good foundations to incroportate social work practice in the country.
