A three-day induction course, held for social workers, including three new recruits, forming part of the Social Work Unit in Gozo, was inaugurated by the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, on Tuesday at the M.A.S. Centre in Ghajnsielem, Gozo. The training is being conducted by Ms. Carmen Zammit, together with Ms. Mary Cachia, Social Worker.

The Social Work Unit, which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry for Gozo, offers its services to individuals and families in need of social support, including those suffering from problems related to substance abuse and addiction, mental health problems and couples going through marital difficulties and elderly in need of assistance.

During the inauguration, Minister Debono stressed the importance of continuing with initiatives to further develop the social support service in Gozo, and said that this induction course, apart from serving as a learning experience for the new social workers, also provides them with clear guidelines with which to maintain high standards of personal practice and conduct.

Minister Debono also said that in today?s changing world, with society facing an even higher number of difficult situations, there is a greater need for the intervention of social workers. Moreover, this training seminar was called for since recently this profession was given a legal structure, giving social workers better recognition and status as well as regulating the profession in a more rigorous manner.

One of the main topics to be discussed in detail during this seminar is a Manual of Procedures which was drafted with the new requirements and the enlarged manpower of the unit in mind. As a result of the latest call for applications, the number of social workers practising their profession in public employment in Gozo is now nine, offering their services in the education and health sectors, at the Law Courts as required, as well as in the Social Work Unit conducting generic social work.

Minister Debono concluded by thanking all social workers for their dedication and augured that they take the opportunity of the training seminar to bond as a team as well as to carry out their chosen vocation with sensitivity, care and professionalism.

The Social Work Unit is open from 7.15am to 4.45pm in winter and from 7.00am to 1.00pm in summer. It also offers an on call-service after office hours. Anyone wishing to contact this Unit may do so by calling on telephone number 21558475/21449194 or visiting in person at the Gozo Social Work Unit, St. Francis Sq, Victoria, VCT 108 during office hours.