“There are 13 children here at the center, aged 12 to 15,” says Awa Yacoulyé, a social worker and nurse in Mali. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has been working at a temporary shelter, set up by UNICEF and partners to help provide vital support to vulnerable children. “In the context of the pandemic, the needs remain huge and we need to open up more temporary shelters so we can look after the hundreds of children in need.”
For social workers like Awa to continue their life-saving work, governments must provide the support and protection they need and deserve. Social workers are essential. Social workers are a lifeline. Social workers are hope.