For people and PRO people: a uniting experience. To the World Social Work Day

Every year, on the third Tuesday of March, World Social Work Day is celebrated – a professional holiday initiated by the International Association of Schools of Social Work together with the International Federation of Social Workers in 1983. This day is aimed at raising public awareness of the role of social workers in building a just society, drawing attention to the problems of social insecurity, as well as supporting professionals who contribute to changes in people’s lives every day.

In 2026, the celebration fell on March 17 and was held under the slogan “Co‑Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society”. The idea of ​​Harambee (“pulling together”), originating from the African cultural context, personifies solidarity, mutual assistance and collective responsibility – “a bundle of sticks is invincible”. The key message of the global theme: peace is based on justice, trust and participation, and overcoming modern challenges is possible only through joint efforts, in which social workers play an important consolidating role.

As part of the celebration, the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education organized a series of thematic events that reflected the idea of ​​unity and co‑creation. The speakers of most events this year were higher education graduates of the I10 Social Work and Counseling specialty, who actively shared their experience of volunteering, professional activities in the field of social work, and personal experience of overcoming social challenges.

As part of the open meeting “Refugee Life Abroad: Challenges, Experience and New Opportunities” (March 18) (moderator – assistant, head of the “Leadership School” of the BDPU Alla Melnychuk), key aspects of the life of Ukrainians abroad were discussed in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. In particular, attention was focused on the real experience of adaptation in other countries, the main challenges faced by refugees (language acquisition, cultural adaptation, finding housing and work, access to education and opportunities for self-realization, financial literacy and security, maintaining mental health), as well as on resources and opportunities for successful integration into a new environment. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of preserving personal and national identity in conditions of forced migration. An important outcome of the meeting was the joint search for ideas and practical solutions to overcome the difficulties of life in a new country.

The speaker of the event was Sofia Okhrimenko, a 2nd year student of the 1st (bachelor’s) level of higher education, specialty I10 Social Work and Counseling, part‑time form of higher education.

Sofia’s reflection on the event: “Conducting an online event on the topic of refugees’ lives abroad was not just an educational task for me, but a truly valuable and personally important experience. The event itself was held in a warm and open atmosphere. There was a feeling that this topic resonated with everyone, because it is not distant or abstract — it is a reality that many people face today.

It was important to me not just to present information, but to convey emotion, to show that behind each story there is a living person with their own experiences, fears, and hopes. After this event, I was left with the feeling that even through such small initiatives, it is possible to draw attention to important topics and, perhaps, change attitudes towards them”.

Within the framework of the meeting of the student scientific circle “Socialization of children and youth in the conditions of the modern socio-cultural space” (March 19) (head – Associate Professor Natalia Zakharova), thanks to the new format of work – the column “Let’s get acquainted: teacher – scientist”, which has successfully proven itself among the student body, future social workers had a unique opportunity to learn more about the scientific potential of the department’s teachers through their personal and professional stories.

The spring dialogue was joined by the candidate of pedagogical sciences, associate professor of the department Anastasia Popova, who presented her path as a symbolic route – with “stations” that shaped her as a person and a scientist: from childhood dreams and choice of profession to science, from trials and errors – to conscious development. The presented story actualized important value orientations: the willingness to see new opportunities in “coincidences”, the significance of perseverance and active action in achieving results, as well as faith in one’s own potential.

The meeting became an important motivational resource for applicants, contributing to a rethinking of the perception of science – from an abstract theoretical construct to a living experience of personal and professional development, embodied in the real stories of scientists.

The continuation of the planned activities was the holding of the 1st round of the student Olympiad in the specialty 231 Social Work (March 19) (moderator – Associate Professor Natalia Zakharova), in which applicants of all courses of full-time and part-time forms of obtaining higher education joined. The Olympiad program was built in such a way as to maximally cover both the theoretical and practical components of the training of future specialists. Participants performed test tasks and solved situational cases that simulated real challenges of social work.

The results of the Olympiad showed that the applicants demonstrated the appropriate level of professional competence. In particular, it concerns the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practically oriented situations, to conduct social analysis and assess the needs of clients, to select adequate social work technologies in accordance with the conditions of a specific case. At the same time, the participants demonstrated developed critical thinking and the ability to professional reflection, which are important markers of the formation of a modern specialist in the social sphere.

The Olympiad became not only a platform for testing knowledge, but also a space for professional growth, exchange of experience, and affirmation of the values ​​of social work in the student community.

The highlight of the planned events was the theater workshop “Social Work in Focus” (March 20) (moderator – assistant, founder of the theater studio “Zmyna” Alla Melnychuk) in the format of a theater-newspaper. Through simple, at first glance, exercises that combined elements of theatrical skill and professional reflection, participants immersed themselves in the process of self-awareness and self‑presentation, understanding the professional role of a social worker, team interaction and joint creation. Working with language and images made it possible to actualize important aspects of the professional activity of social workers – empathy, flexibility of thinking, creativity and the ability to communicate.

The workshop became an example of how creative approaches can effectively complement the professional training of future social professionals.

During the professional MEET-UP “Case Management in Inclusive Practice: Experience of Working with Children with Special Educational Needs” (March 20) (moderator – senior lecturer Natalia Matseiko), the applicants had the opportunity to reflect on key issues of modern inclusive practice. In particular, they talked about how to effectively support a child with special educational needs, what role case management plays in forming an inclusive environment, and what is behind the daily work of a social worker.

The speaker of the event was Inna Pyatak, a 2nd year student of the 1st (bachelor’s) level of higher education, majoring in Social Work and Counseling, part‑time form of higher education, case manager of the inclusive component of the NGO “Dnipro League of Social Workers”, member of the NGO “Good Changes”, volunteer, guardian of a child with special educational needs.

In her speech, the speaker combined professional and personal experience of interacting with children with special educational needs, which gave the meeting special depth and sincerity. Through the prism of her own life experience, she outlined the real needs of children and their families, emphasized the challenges that professionals face in an inclusive environment, and demonstrated the practical value of case management as a support tool.

This meeting became more than a discussion of professional approaches. It turned into a frank conversation about responsibility, empathy, and professionalism – about the experience that forms not only competent professionals, but also conscious citizens of the new generation.

Inna’s reflection on the event: “At first, as a speaker, I felt insecure, but the sincere feedback from the participants exceeded all expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of support, interest, and emotions I received in response. The atmosphere of empathy, mutual respect, and openness was especially valuable. This experience gave me inspiration and energy to continue my activities”.

The final chord of the celebration of a professionally important date was the holding of an open meeting “Humanity in Action: How Do Social Initiatives Change Communities?” (March 21) (moderator — senior lecturer Natalia Matseiko), during which they talked about the importance of social initiatives for the community; the role of Christian values ​​— love, mercy, acceptance — in daily service to people, which becomes a bridge between generations; the possibilities of implementing social initiatives in the absence of “large-scale” funding; the importance of partnership, mutual support, and caring in the community.

The speaker of the event was Maria Epelbaum, a 2nd year student of the I (bachelor’s) level of higher education, specialty I10 Social Work and Counseling, part-time form of higher education, author of the blog “Christian Values”, volunteer, social activist with experience in chaplaincy, and youth worker.

The speaker’s personal experience in implementing social initiatives convincingly demonstrated: social work is not just a profession, but, above all, a calling that begins with simple steps and a sincere desire to help.

Maria’s reflection on the event: “Preparing for the event was an opportunity for me to rethink my own experience in social work. It is symbolic that the meeting took place within the framework of the celebration of World Social Work Day 2026, the theme of which is unity and co-creation of hope.

For me, social work is primarily a calling to humanity, which is born in the heart.

During the meeting, I emphasized how Christian values ​​— love, mercy, and sincere care — naturally transform into social service. My experience of implementing projects in the community shows that to change lives, it is not necessary to have large budgets, it is enough to have a sincere desire to be a “source of light” where there is a need.

I am sincerely grateful to the participants for their openness and participation!”

World Social Work Day is not only an opportunity to celebrate the importance of the work of social workers, but also a reminder that in times of challenge, it is especially important to “stick together”, supporting each other and restoring connections in a divided world. Let this day be a step towards strengthening solidarity, where humanity, mutual assistance and equal opportunities become the basis of a common future.

Dear applicants, each of you has the power to change the world. And we sincerely believe that you will succeed! Thank you for choosing this path! You are our pride and inspiration!

Based on materials from the
Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education