Abstract
This qualitative study explores the role of Para Social Workers (PSWs) in fostering Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Uganda. Integrated at the community level, PSWs provide holistic child protection that enhances children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth, particularly in low-resource settings. Working as grassroots volunteers, PSWs serve as early detection mechanisms for child rights violations, link families to social welfare services, and provide psychosocial care to victims of abuse. They also advocate for children’s rights in community meetings and support development in areas such as speech, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. In Uganda, PSWs address gaps in professional social work services by strengthening child protection networks, enhancing caregiver capacities in nutrition and education, addressing gender issues, and increasing access to essential social services. Despite their contributions, the PSW model faces significant implementation challenges, including resource limitations, overlapping services, high dropout rates due to better opportunities, training gaps, sustainability concerns, donor dependency, and geographical barriers during adverse weather conditions. Nonetheless, PSWs have positively influenced child well-being, creating an environment conducive to psychosocial, physical, and cognitive growth. Their efforts align with national and international goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to support children’s rights and development. The Ugandan government, in collaboration with child-focused stakeholders, continues to leverage the PSW model as a critical community-driven approach to advancing ECD and addressing systemic challenges in child protection.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
COMMUNITY, SOCIAL WORK, CHILD RIGHTS, CHILD DEVELOPMENT, PARA SOCIAL WORK
