![]() | Jamaica association of social workers |
Social Worker of the Month - October 2019 Effy Nembhard |
It takes Effy Nembhard approximately 2 ½ hours and four (4) vehicles from her home in St. Catherine to get to her place of work in Clarendon. Being a social worker employed with the Peace Management Initiative (PMI), she works in volatile communities in the Clarendon region. But Effy has never woke one day feeling as if she does not want to go to work as she is very passionate about what she does. Clarendon is a parish often plagued by violence. However, through collaborative efforts between the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) and other agencies, steps are being taken to remedy the issue of social conflicts in the parish. Effy performs group counselling sessions as well as behaviour modification sessions. She interacts with high-risk youths in these areas to see how best their energy can be channeled into other directions whether it is by linking them to skills training opportunities or job opportunities. In her own words, here is just one of Effy's "success stories":
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Previously a Data Collector with the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, she often gathered data from persons in various communities. It was through interacting and seeing the different struggles these individuals were faced with that she sought to make various recommendations and gave them information. In addition, Effy says that there were many persons who contributed to her success so she sees it only fit to pay it forward. "People often found it easy to confide in me," Effy said. She's so happy she discovered social work and states that since that time she has not looked back once. Her message to social workers is, “I want persons to come to this field not because it’s a field that’s expanding or it’s a field that they think they can earn a good income from. I want them to come to this field because they have compassion and love in their heart for their fellow men." We salute you, Effy, and the wonderful work you do every day! Thank you for exemplifying the true character of a social worker and for your dedication to the wonderful work of transformation through intervention! |