Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1960-1961 — Page 7

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

SOCIAL WORK AS A PROFESSION

DURING the year ending March 1961, two developments occurred which are likely to prove crucial to the future of social work in Hong Kong. The first was the grant by the United Kingdom Committee for World Refugee Year of $2,200,000-the largest single donation received in Hong Kong from any source as a result of the international appeal- for the purpose of establishing a social work training fund, supple- mented by a donation of $145,000 from the distant island Colony of Bermuda. The second, following in some degree from the first, was the Government's invitation to Dr. Eileen YOUNGHUSBAND, the outstanding authority in this field, to advise on the development of training for social work in Hong Kong and the publication at the end of 1960 of her Report* which has lately been accepted by the Government as a guide and chart for the future.

2. These events may serve to mark the acceptance in Hong Kong of the comparatively new conception of social work as a profession in its own right which demands training and skill of the highest order, as well as experience of human nature and concern for human beings. As Dr. YOUNGHUSBAND says in describing the picture as she saw it: 'in this situation of enormous challenge and most valiant efforts at response, it was recognized that the training of social workers was falling short, both in numbers and in ability to equip students for the job to be done' and 'many persons whether in Government or voluntary service are employed in work where much natural ability, experience and skill are needed but for which little or no training exists at present.' The Report recommends the re-organization and expansion of training both at academic level and for untrained staff entering social work, with the expert aid of a team of three consultants from overseas 'to help plan and to teach in the new courses.' By the end of the year there were

* 'Training for social work in Hong Kong' by Eileen L. YOUNGHUSBAND, C.B.E., LL.D., J.P., available from the Government publications counter, General Post Office, Price $6.00.

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