The Social Work Conference

We are back from the 7th Pan African Social Work Conference, which was hosted in Kampala - lucky for us! It was such a priviledge to be amongst so many inspiring professionals from all over the world, whereby almost half of the attendees were from Uganda or other African countries.


The days were long and tiresome, as the various workshops and presentations were often running late; though by now we should have come to accept that nothing in Africa is ever on schedule. Also, due to conflicts in different parts of Africa, it took a few people up 2 - 3 days to arrive, which made it very real and helped put things into perspective. One day which was particularily interesting, was on the theme of international justice and we learned all about the international criminal court (ICC) and the work they are doing in Rwanda and the Sudan for instance. To cut is short, it was at times very intense, but also motivating to see how many social workers still love their profession after many years of practice. Moreover, it was an excellent opportunity to network with other people from around the world. Among others, I made an interesting contact in Kampala, through whom I will hopefully be able to arrange a drumming performance at the disabled school I work at. A group of youth do HIV/AIDS awareness raising through drumming, and surely this would be a highlight for the children at the centre.

On another note, it was also a nice change to be in the big city after living in the village, with minimal entertainment and lacking facilities, so you can imagine we made the most of it!

Now I must run, as I have a HIV/AIDS presentation/work shop of my own prepared for the school. Wish me luck and talk to you again soon!