Panel discussion “Social work in school: current state and development perspectives” at the UNSA Faculty of Political Sciences

On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, a panel discussion was held at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo on the topic “Social work at school - current state and development perspectives.”

Within this gathering, emphasis was placed on the key role of social workers in creating an educational environment that is inclusive, safe and accessible to all students, with special reference to those from vulnerable groups. Faced with ubiquitous challenges such as mental health problems among young people, social isolation and digital divide, it is necessary to promote innovative approaches and strengthen cooperation between social workers, educational institutions and competent ministries.

The current situation, where a part-time social worker is provided for in schools, is a significant problem. Therefore, the hope and expectation was expressed that the relevant ministry will find ways to secure additional funds, so that every school has at least one social worker. Investing in social work within schools is not only an investment in individuals, but also in the future of society.

The panel was addressed by the Minister of Education and Science of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prof. Dr. Jasna Duraković, Minister of Labor and Social Policy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Adnan Delić, and Head of the Department for Social Work, Prof. Dr. Sanela Čekić Bašić and Faculty of Political Sciences Dean, Prof. Dr. Sead Turčalo.

The discussion covered topics such as the harmonious action of family and school in the prevention of educational risks, with an emphasis on the lecture of academician Adila Pašalić Kreso, as well as social work in schools and experiences from Croatia, presented by Prof. Dr. Gordana Berc from the University of Zagreb. Prof. .Dr. Haris Cerić spoke about the social worker as a member of the school's professional service. In addition, the panel was an opportunity to present the theoretical and practical findings of research on social work in schools, with special reference to the presentation of Prof. Dr. Nedreta Šerić, which provided a deeper insight into the current challenges and perspectives of the development of social work in schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through their presentations, social workers Amela Muftić Muratović and Almina Hodžić emphasized the importance of social work in schools and presented their experiences and challenges they face in their work.

This meeting was an extremely important step towards understanding and solving the challenges of social work in schools, and served as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. We invite all interested parties to join this important dialogue and contribute to the development of social work as a necessary component of an educational system that strives for inclusion, understanding and progress.