Psychosocial Challenges Faced by Learners and the Neglect of School Social Work in Zimbabwe

Learners face a number of challenges in their eco-systems ranging from family related problems, bullying and ill-treatment at school.  This study sought to examine the psychosocial challenges experienced by learners in Zimbabwe and the absence of school social work practice in Zimbabwe as well as the possible nexus between the two. The study embraced a qualitative research approach and used an qualitative exploratory-contextual design. A sample of 44 participants comprised of 16 learners, 12 parents/guardians, 10 social workers and 6 teachers participated in the study. The eco-systems theory and models of school social work served as the theoretical framework of the study. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used in identifying the participants for interviews and focus group discussions. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. It was found that learners face challenges of bullying, substance abuse, depression and anxiety as well as corporal punishment. Poor advocacy on school social work and lack of professional recognition by the government were found to be reasons behind the neglect of the practice in the country. It was established that late detection of warning signs is as a results of a nexus between the absence of school social work and psychosocial challenges among learners. Based on the findings of the study, the research recommends the recognition and employment of school social workers to deal with psychosocial challenges faced by learners. It further recommends social work regulatory boards to spearhead the acknowledgment of the profession through advocacy

The Importance of Social Work Roles in Disaster Risk Management in Zimbabwe

This study was aimed at exploring the efficacy of social work roles in disaster risk management in Zimbabwe in the face of climatic changes. It was carried out in Binga district, Matebeleland-North province using the qualitative methodology and a case study design. The study sample was comprised of 8 practicing social workers. Snowballing and purposive sampling techniques were used to select these participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using an interview guide. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. It was found that social workers play essential roles before, during and after disasters. On disaster preparedness, it was established that social workers assume roles of educators, community workers and disaster planners. Moreover, it was found that they play the roles of case managers, administrators of social protection and counselors during the disaster response phase of disaster risk management. Subsequently they also act as advocates, development facilitators as well as monitoring and evaluation personnel in the disaster recovery phase. As per the findings, the study recommends that social workers be recognized as essential in disaster risk management at both policy and practice level. Further, there is need to enhance social work training education for flexibility and contextual application of social work knowledge in the field of disaster risk management for quality realization of green social work in Zimbabwe