The National Association of Social Workers of Liberia (NASOWL) has celebrated the World Social Work Day.
The celebration, which was held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 with the national theme, “Strengthening Communities through Social Work for Inclusive and Enduring Wellbeing in Liberia”, while the global theme was “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing”, brought together students from Mother Parten, United Methodist University (UMU) Social Work Department, African Methodist Episcopal University Social Work Department, University of Liberia Social Work Department, Red Meets Green and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection held at the Auditorium of the University of Liberia in Monrovia.
Speaking at the celebration, the President of NASOWL, Dr. J. Kerkula Foeday, challenged social workers in Liberia to do more to address social issues confronting the nation.
Dr. Foeday stated that social work is an important discipline which requires the collective effort of the people in the society.
He noted that NASOWL was established in 2005, and this year, 2025, makes the association 20 years old, but it lacks its own headquarters to battle social problems across the various communities.
He pointed out that there is a need to establish branches for the association to ensure that social works are strengthened in Liberia.
Dr. Foeday underscored that Liberian social workers should work collectively to transform more of the social concerns affecting Liberia.
Earlier, the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, said social workers play significant role in bridging generational gaps, promoting brilliant and ensuring sustainable social development in Liberia, the continent and the world at large.
Dr. Maparyan stated that intergenerational solidarity is not just a noble aspiration; rather, it is a necessity for sustainable development. She noted that “in Liberia, as in many societies around the world, our communities are made up of diversities of age groups with unique needs, experiences and contributions”.
“From our elders who carry the wisdom of the past, to the youth who represent the promise of the future, every generation has final role to play in shifting our nation’s trajectory, which is rightly determined by our diversities, our experiences and our culture,” she added.
Dr. Maparyan emphasized that social workers should advocate for vulnerable communities to ensure that people live with dignity in the society.