Meeting explores latest trends in social services

Panellists engaged in discussion during the opening day of the Sharjah Social Works Conference at Al Qasimiya University in Sharjah.- Photo by M.Sajjad/ Khaleej Times

Participants of the three-day Sharjah Social Works Conference (SSCW), which began on Monday, highlighted need for a scientific approach in the field.
The social workers, who were attending the SSCW, stressed that lack of evidence on social studies is creating a gap between the reality of fieldwork and theoretical aspect of social service, which they blamed on the absence of scientific research.
They also urged to rope in specialists to develop their own capacities and become more qualified people to achieve the best practices during the conference organised by Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD).
Addressing the opening session, Afaf Ibrahim Al Marri, chairperson of SSSD, said that the conference is an embodiment of the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who is keen to develop social services and community service through the latest practices and scientific theories.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the conference, which hosts more than 1,000 people from within the country as well as more than 200 people from the GCC and other countries, focuses on the best practices in social service.
She said that the conference aims to raise the level of competence, knowledge and enhancement of the skills of social workers. Its main objective is developing the skills and abilities of specialists working in the field of social service through the presented working papers and workshops organised by the Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Development at the University of Sharjah on the side line of the conference.
In the first session titled "New aspects in the field of social work", Dr Abdul Aziz Al Dakhil, associate professor at the University of King Saud in Saudi Arabia, said that more than five fields are required to support the social service including medical, public health, addiction and mental health, as well as child care.
Dr Al Dhakheel, also the head of the organising committee of the conference, said that the first day features three sessions. The second day will see workshops in coordination with continuous education and social service centre affiliated to University of Sharjah. The participants in the workshops will get training certificates.
The concluding day includes sessions on cognitive behavioural therapy, skills of professional assistance operations attended by mental health experts from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
The Sharjah Social Works Conference
The first day features three sessions, which focus on modernising the social services works.
The second day will see workshops in coordination with continuous education and social service centre affiliated to University of Sharjah. The participants in the workshops will get training certificates.
The third day will feature concluding ceremony and session topics focus on cognitive behavioural therapy.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com