The School of Psychosocial Health at the North-West University (NWU) hosted the second Social Workers in Schools (SWIS) International Conference from 10 to 12 September on the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the NWU. The first international conference was held in the United Kingdom during 2024, and the conference in South Africa was the very first of its kind in the country. The conference brought together practitioners, researchers, scholars, teachers and policymakers to share insights and create solutions for learners.
During the day programme, experts from around the world exchanged ideas on how schools offer care, empowerment and opportunity. A vast range of topics were explored, ranging from innovative practices in school social work, digital tools for service delivery, global collaboration and child protection to strengthening learner well-being.
In her welcoming address, Prof Alida Herbst, deputy dean for Teaching and Learning at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the NWU, highlighted the conference as a milestone in the profession.
“The future of school social work is built not only by grand gestures, but also by the everyday decisions we make to care, act and advocate. Each conversation, collaboration and commitment has the power to impact classrooms, communities and the lives of children who need us the most.”
Global perspectives and local impact
The conference kicked off with lively performances by Die Anker and Jimmie Roos Schools for learners with special needs, who set the tone for a successful gathering.
The first keynote address came from Ms Rachel Mollie Kemp, social worker at the Westville Care and Counselling Centre, who explained the role of school social work in South Africa. Her address was followed by Dr Maria Kjellgren of Umeå University, who discussed psychosocial health conversations (PSHC) as a vital task in the field.
Further, the conference featured parallel presentation sessions by several speakers from Sweden, South Africa, England, Ireland and Singapore. They contributed knowledge regarding the challenges and opportunities that influence school social work.
On Thursday, 11 September, Dr Roschshana Kemp, social work manager from the Western Cape Department of Education, took centre stage and spoke on the establishment of wellness hubs in high-needs schools. She presented it as a collaborative approach to provide psychosocial support to learners.
The closing day of the programme saw Dr Marelize Vergottini, senior lecturer at the School of Social Work at the NWU, highlighting the launch of the newly established master’s degree in Social Work and the short learning programme in Social Work at the NWU. This was followed by Prof Leticia Villarreal Sosa of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, who reviewed culturally informed responses to grief and loss (CIRGL), with specific focus on anti-racist and culturally sensitive responsive approaches in engaging with young people.
Attendees also enjoyed a panel discussion that looked at the challenges of school social work from a global and provincial perspective.
This year’s conference was more than just an academic gathering – it was a space for collaboration, learning and inspiration that laid the foundation for the improved future of school social work.
A successful gathering contributing to the improved future of school social work
