Group 15 B

REFORMED CHURCH UNIVERSITY

(A REFORMED CHURCH IN ZIMBABWE INSTITUTION)

COURSE OUTLINE

FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAND SOCIAL SCIENCES.

PROGRAMME: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK.

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES

COURSE CODE: HBSWN 215

LECTURER: Miss T.A Gambiza

NAME : phillis hwaungana C03232255

Tendai Musiyiwa C03232484

Amardev Tsonziwa C03232285

Qn : Agents of social welfare provisions ( dsd) ( local authorities) (NGOs)

In Zimbabwe, the provision of social welfare services involves a collaborative effort between the various
entities including the Department of Social Development (DSD), local authorities and Non governmental
Organisations (NGOs). These entitles play crucial roles in addressing the social and economic needs of
the population, including poverty alleviation, child protection, health assistance and more.

The Department of Social Development plays a crucial role in promoting social welfare and providing
support to vulnerable populations. They often collaborate and link with various agents of social welfare
provisions, including social workers, to ensure effective service delivery. Here are a few examples of how
the Department of Social Development may link with social work in different areas:
1. Child Protection: Social workers employed by the Department of Social Development work closely
with child protection agencies to safeguard the well-being of children. They investigate cases of abuse,
neglect, or exploitation, and provide interventions and support services to children and their families.
Social workers collaborate with the department to develop policies, implement child protection
programs, and advocate for necessary resources.

2. Elderly Care: Social workers play a vital role in supporting the elderly population. They may work in
collaboration with the Department of Social Development to develop and implement programs that
promote the well-being and independence of older adults. This can include services such as home visits,
counseling, assistance with accessing healthcare and social benefits, and facilitating community support
networks.

3. Disability Services: The Department of Social Development often partners with social workers to
provide comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities. Social workers assess the needs of
disabled individuals, develop individualized care plans, and coordinate the provision of support services,
including access to healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and employment opportunities.

4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Social workers are integral to addressing substance abuse and
mental health issues. They collaborate with the Department of Social Development to develop
prevention programs, treatment options, and support services for individuals struggling with addiction
or mental health disorders. Social workers may also be involved in community outreach, education, and
advocacy efforts.

5. Poverty Alleviation: The Department of Social Development works closely with social workers to
address poverty and socioeconomic challenges. Social workers play a crucial role in assessing the needs
of individuals and families living in poverty, providing counseling, case management, and connecting
them with available resources such as social grants, vocational training, and employment support
programs.

These examples illustrate the collaborative relationship between the Department of Social Development
and social workers in addressing various social welfare concerns. By working together, they aim to
enhance the well-being and quality of life for individuals and communities in need.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are important agents of social welfare provision that operate
independently of government entities. NGOs are typically non-profit organizations driven by specific
missions and dedicated to addressing social issues and promoting the well-being of individuals and
communities. They play a significant role in complementing government efforts in various areas of social
welfare. Here are some examples of NGOs and the social welfare services they provide:

Humanitarian NGOs these organizations focus on providing emergency assistance and relief services to
communities affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or humanitarian crises. They offer services such as
emergency shelter, food aid, medical care, clean water, and sanitation. Examples include the Red Cross,
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and Oxfam forexample the world food program
they provide food to the people like in cyclone idai people who given food,clothes and building of
houses.

Health NGOs, Health-focused NGOs work to improve access to healthcare services, promote public
health, and address specific health issues. They may provide medical care, preventive services, health
education, and advocacy for underserved populations. Examples include the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, Partners in Health, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. They
provide condoms for free and pills of HIV and AlDS . Recently this organization provide injections fight
for Polio to the children of 1 month up to 10 years

Education NGOs: These organizations aim to improve access to quality education, especially for
marginalized and disadvantaged groups. They may establish schools, provide scholarships, teacher
training, educational resources, and support programs to enhance educational opportunities. Examples
include Room to Read, Teach For All, and Pratham. BEAM they provide fees for the vulnerable
children and also CAMFERD this organization cater for a girl child they provide sanitary pads ,
stationary school fees and also the women they provide awareness advocate the women's rights.
UNICEF this also provides textbooks, to the children at schools.

Poverty Alleviation NGOs: NGOs focused on poverty alleviation work to address the root causes of
poverty and promote sustainable development. They may provide microfinance services, vocational
training, livelihood support, and community development programs to empower individuals and
communities. Examples include BRAC, Grameen Bank, and CARE International. This program prvide
food for the marginalized people like orphans vulnerable and elderly and the food for work program
also provides food to the people who are able to work and this NGOs they started projects like
aquaculture they provide project of pottery and to reduce poverty in communities

Environmental NGOs: Environmental organizations focus on conservation, environmental protection,

Advocacy and Human Rights NGOs: These organizations work to protect and promote human rights,
social justice, and equality. They advocate for policy changes, provide legal aid, raise awareness, and
support marginalized or vulnerable populations. Examples include Amnesty International, Human Rights
Watch, and Transparency International.

However,there are many challenges that NGOs face when working with societies. Some of the most
common challenges include funding NGOs often rely on donations and grants to operate, and funding
can be difficult to secure.AlsoCorruption In some countries, corruption can make it difficult for NGOs to
operate effectively because some they take the money or food for the vulnerable people and started
their business and those people who are supposed to have the food continue live in poverty. Political
instability: In countries that are experiencing political instability, NGOs can find it difficult to carry out
their work Resistance from local communities: Local communities may be resistant to change, and this
can make it difficult for NGOs

NGOs often rely on funding from various sources, including individual donations, grants, corporate
sponsorships, and partnerships with government agencies and international organizations. Their work is
critical in addressing social issues, filling gaps in service provision, advocating for marginalized groups,
and promoting positive social change.

In Zimbabwe, the provision of social welfare service is overseen by various government entities,
including the Ministry of Public services , Labour and Social welfare. This Ministry is responsible for labor
relations and welfare in Zimbabwe, with a focus on promoting fair labor practices, enhancing labor
productivity, self reliance and social protection for vulnerable groups in society.

The ministry of Public Service, labour and Social Welfare administers the Public Service Act, various
Pensions Acts and the Zimbabwean Institute of Public Administration and Management ( ZIPAM) on
Human Resource Training and Development and National Training Institutes. It also administers the
National Joint Negotiating Council ( JNC) in accordance with relevant statutes on conditions of service
for the entire public service.

Furthermore, the Ministry overseas the coordination of activities and the implementation of decisions of
the Private Voluntary Organizations Board and Child Welfare Council to fulfill their objectives. It also
manages community recovery and rehabilitation programmes, facilities the realization of rights by older
persons , children refugees and other vulnerable groups and provides health assistance, discretionary
transport assistance and proper burials for the families in need. Additionally, the Ministry provides
probation services to children in conflict and contact with the law, as well as care and protection and
rehabilitation services to children in need of care.
The Ministry of Public Services, Labor and Social Welfare is also responsible for the administration and
coordination of the National Case Management System for the Welfare and protection of children.

In summary, the Ministry of Public Service, labor and Social Welfare along with its various departments
and divisions plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being and social protection of vulnerable populations
in zimbabwe.