Social Work

  We Work, 

Social Work

                Social work isn’t always a smooth sailing venture; in fact, it’s probably one of the most taxing professions out there. Let’s face it; dealing with other people is a pain especially when you’re not a people person. Imagine having to listen and fix other’s problems, being exposed to depressed and depraved living conditions, and seeing all kinds of injustice in the world, constantly. Well, that’s exactly what social workers do and they do it for a living. Today, we’re going to tackle the unsung heroes of society, the humble social workers.

                The Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students of SSAM Senior High School went to three different community centers that specialize in social work to truly understand what it means to be a social worker. Check them out below:

St. Maria De Mattias Center

A community center for impoverished girls, St. Maria De Mattias Center focuses on helping the “poorest of the poor” in their community by providing tutoring lessons, scholarships, values integration sessions, and provisions like food and other basic necessities. They have a strict admissions process in order to determine the recipients of their social work services. In a community such as theirs, this ensures that the girls who will be taken under their care are those who truly need it.

First, the social workers compile the necessary documents of their possible client in order to validate their background. Afterwards, they would conduct interviews and home visitations to assess the environment and specific circumstance of their potential client. Once the social workers have fully determined that an individual does need special care and attention, they would be taken in by the community center. The mothers of these girls would then work at St. Maria De Mattias Center as compensation. They are also taught valuable life skills as they cook and clean at the center.

Sir Jonathan, Sister Grace and Sister Cora were the welcoming committee of St. Frideswida. According to some of the students, they were very warm and accommodating. They explained the work that they do at the center and the passion they have for their job. Sir Jonathan in particular was an avid professional, enthusiastic in his vocation to serve the members of his community. Social work, according to him, was his true calling. He explained the details of the social work that he practices, how he employs theories and concepts in enacting action plans. This solidifies the validity and objectiveness of social work as a profession. Although it is more humanistic in its approach, social work is still as valuable and important as other professions.  

The work and effort utilized in this field shouldn’t be trivialized or dismissed. Sir Jonathan recounted the process of becoming a licensed social worker, from taking the board exam, studying for a Masters degree and finally partaking in field work. It is indeed a long and difficult journey but social workers who are truly committed in their belief in making the world a better and fairer place are willing to undertake this challenge.

This is evident in the colorful yet clean facilities in St. Maria De Mattias Center, in the humble space that they arranged for the children to study, to eat and to play in. Even in the pictures, the love and care of the social workers can be felt. They go above and beyond to help the girls in their care live happy, fulfilling lives. And that’s what social work is truly about, not the monetary compensation nor the personal gratification, but the strength of each and every social workers’ compassion to empower those who are marginalized in society.

         Photos © Aira Masangkay

Written by: Miraya De Dios © 2017

Special thanks to Alysia Petras and Alex Parada

Marikina Youth Home

On the other hand, St. Clodesindis visited the local correctional facility, Marikina Youth Home, for children in conflict with the law or juvenile delinquents. The institution aims to mold youth offenders to become better citizens and productive members of the community once again. The Marikina Youth Home is a government-owned rehabilitation center, inaugurated last 2013 by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). They provide a wide range of services including legal assistance, feeding programs, vocational training, counseling and case management services, however they specialize in aiding minors who have been tried or have criminal records.

Upon visiting the Youth Home, the students were greeted by Ms. Shelly Mae, the social worker in charge in the facility. She first relayed her background as a social worker and the specifics of what they do. Just like Sir Jonathan, they extend services and welfare management to the  juvenile delinquents in their care. They provide vocational and livelihood training to the youths and they also conduct Bible studies from time to time. The delinquents are also allowed to engage in sports and other physical activities at the local Sports Center.

When asked on the legal aspects of juvenile delinquency, Ms. Shelly Mae elaborated on the laws and rights of minors within the justice system. Because we are minors, we cannot be convicted in the same facilities as adults. She stressed that children can still be taught and shaped to be better individuals, unlike adults who have already formed solid mindsets and moral values that motivate them to do what they do. Youth offenders need special guidance in order for them not to turn to a life of crime in the future. They are given vocational training so that they would have other means to earn a living. They are taught to strengthen their spirituality and their faith in God to instill in them a better kind of value system.

However, life as a social worker is not easy, according to Ms. Shelly Mae. There are times when funding and necessities are scarce in the Youth Home. The social workers often rely on the kindness and generosity of volunteers to fully provide for the juvenile delinquents. It is obvious as well in the state of the equipments and the cramped space within the rehabilitation center. There is a great need for renovation and refurbishing within the facility, and I hope that the local government finds a way to improve the delinquents’ living condition.

During the outreach, the youth offenders were lively, if somewhat uncooperative at times. Although they all couldn’t divulge much on their personal cases due to confidentiality, they all had very interesting stories to tell. They all came from different backgrounds and they all have different dreams. What struck me the most was one delinquent who told us “‘Wag kayong gumaya sa amin. Mahirap buhay dito, kaya mag-aral kayo ng mabuti.” It was such a wise yet bittersweet statement from someone who couldn’t be older than us by a year. It was disheartening to hear. The profoundness of her statement echoed in me even as we left the Youth Home. But it gave me hope as well that the Filipino youth is not lost yet. As long as we believe in the capacity of our fellow men and in ourselves to change for the better, there is always hope.

             Photos © Angela Angeles, Trisha Robles

Written by: Miraya De Dios © 2017

St. Camillus Medhaven Nursing Home

                   And lastly, St Ehrentrudis visited a nursing home for the elderly called St. Camillus Medhaven Nursing Home in Marikina. The nursing home provides residence, care, rehabilitation, therapies, and adult daycare services to senior citizens. Camillus MedHaven was formerly named as St. Camillus Home of Charity that was founded in 1992. They accommodate senior citizens and persons with disabilities that pay for the care they receive. The nursing home offers activities and medical support in a home-like setting to the elderly.

 Photo © cg.medhaven

                 The social worker that introduced the nursing home was Miss Nilda. She said the history of the nursing home and that they are providing services and goods for the elderly, like food, water, and medicine. Other elderly, voluntarily enter while others are brought there by their families, but with their consent. The social workers bring the elderly to mass in a small little chapel in the middle of the garden. They walk around the garden every morning if they can and if the weather is pleasant. They are also given the opportunity to sell products that the elderly have made themselves. Every three months, they get to go to malls, or any place in Manila, and buy things they want and can afford at the same time, but sometimes, they just window-shop because they do not have enough money.

Photo © Adrienne Dela Paz

                   One lolo said, "The people here are very caring and concerned with our welfare, that is why I am very thankful to be here, unlike in other institutions." Miss Nilda shared that they do their very best to provide the needs and the comfort of their clients. She also shared that the caregivers of their clients really had and still needed patience in handling the elderly. Since they were already old, they have the tendency to be moody, sensitive, and may have special needs. So the social workers make it their mission to build a solid and healthy relationship with the elderly. They want to create stronger bonds, gain their trusts, and understand them more even though they are not in the same age group. 

   

Photo © cg.medhaven

                  The students who visited this nursing home held a program during their visit. They got to interact with the senior citizens, play with the, offer them a song and dance number, and was able to donate 3 electric fans for the nursing home. Overall, both the students and the elderly were happy with the whole experience. The students learned a lot from the elderly and from the social workers as well. Students learned to appreciate the institution because of their effort and willingness to take care of the elderly. The students also like that the institution continues to strengthen the faith of the elders through novena, rosary, mass, and other celebrations. With the experience, all of us hope to see more effective institutions like St. Camillus Medhaven Nursing Home here in the Philippines and all over the world.

Photo © Adrienne Dela Paz

Written by: Aira Bernardo © 2017

Special thanks to Gillian Mortera, Gaby Gutierrez, Ella Baduria, and Jodie Villanueva

            Social workers’ main goal is to help; help the marginalized and everyone who is in need of help. They are what we call them as “professional helpers” for they help and care for the people for a living. They take licensure examinations to be a certified social worker, and there are also different fields in this profession. A certified social worker may continue to become a psychologist, lawyer, researcher, or a social worker who works in the government or in a private sector. There are endless possibilities once you enter the world of social work.  But let me tell you this, being a social worker is not an easy job.

Here are some reasons why being a 

SOCIAL WORKER

is no joke:

      1)      It will take up your time.

         Handling cases and dealing with people will definitely take your time since you have to meet with your clients more than once. Also, there would be times that you would bring your work home since there are so many things to do. It may take your personal time, but never forget to have fun, relax, and enjoy some time alone or with your loved ones!

2)      You need a lot of patience.

 Not all your clients are easy to deal with. You will need a lot of will, strength, determination, and patience in order for you to be able to help your client be better. You just have to find the perfect formula for everything to be organized and in order, and as well for your client to cooperate 100%!

3)      There are a lot of paper works. 

Being a social worker doesn’t exempt you from doing paper works. The paper you have to do must be detailed and accurate, so it is expected from you to have a good memory!

4)      You have to keep it to yourself. 

Ensure the confidentiality of your work, especially your clients. It is very important to keep your client safe and their information confidential. Your client trusts you of their personal information, and it is up to you to help them and to keep their background as confidential as possible.

5)      Don’t get too attached. 

You must know your limitations and boundaries to your clients. It is an absolute NO to have a romantic relationship with your client. It is against the rules of being a social worker.  It is unethical!

6)      You don’t get paid enough for this.

 This may be heart-dropping news for you. I know we all find work to have money, but being a social worker is about passion and determination. You will not choose this career path just because it’s easy because all you have to do is to help people. You will choose this path because you want change; change for the people and for the nation. You want to see better and progressive lives not only to the people, but to the whole nation as well.

   

With the list I have given you, you may think that I am discouraging you to become a social worker; but I’m not. I just want to make it clear that being a social worker is no joke. Entering this career path may have the downs, but there are definitely more ups if you become a social worker.

Here are some reasons why 

YOU SHOULD 

be a social worker:

1)      You like to work with people. 

Technically, being a social worker is people-based, so you really have to deal with people. Nonetheless, if you are a natural people-person, so this career path will be perfect for you.

2)      You can help people. 

The main goal of social workers is to help the poor, marginalized, and just any regular person who is in need of their help. Now that you have the chance to be a certified and a licensed “professional helper,” grab the opportunity!

3)      You can change lives. 

With your help, you can make a person to become better individuals and to have a better future ahead of them. Become an inspiration and a starting point for them to choose a better life and for them to actually achieve their goals.

4)      Spread positive vibes! 

Share your positivism about life and influence your clients to strive hard. Although life may seem hard for them, remind them to smile and enjoy life once in a while. Smiling, enjoying, and even laughing can actually help brighten up the atmosphere so that handling your cases may be light and not too dreading. But don’t forget to take your job seriously as well!

      

5)      Return the kindness and the passion the people who had 

helped you become a better person. 

These persons who have inspired you in wanting to become a social worker may be the key for you to find your true passion and goal; and that is to help people as well just like what happened to you. You want to pass on to other people what you have experienced and inspire them as well to do the same. Pass it on!

6)      Victory is mine! 

After successfully accomplishing a case, you will feel victorious afterwards.

 You will feel triumphant after knowing that you have just won your client’s battle of problems. With this, you will be more than motivated to accomplish more cases with your utmost abilities. Keep up the good work!

7)      Definite satisfaction. 

Just to see the people you helped grow and become well will surely make your heart melt. Knowing that you helped someone will give you the fulfilling feeling of success, accomplishment, pride, and happiness. You have achieved your main goal and you will surely be proud of that, just like a mother seeing her child accomplish something great. 

Sources:

- http://camillusmedhaven.webs.com/

- https://www.socialworkguide.org/careers/