03/08/2026
ASWiM Strengthens Strategic Partnership with the Department of Disability and Elderly Affairs
On 28th July, the Association of Social Workers in Malawi (ASWiM) held a meeting with the Department of Disability and Elderly Affairs under the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare to strengthen collaboration in advancing the rights, protection and wellbeing of persons with disabilities and older persons in Malawi. The ASWiM delegation led by President Joseph Kalelo, was hosted by the Director of Disability and Elderly Affairs, Mr. David Njaidi, alongside other senior technical officers from the Department.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to present their respective mandates, programmes and strategic priorities, and identified areas where their work complements each other. The two institutions agreed to strengthen collaboration in several priority areas, including the development of a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) curriculum for social workers, harmonization of social work education and training, and enhancing collaboration on programmes that promote the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities and older persons.
In addition, the meeting also focused on the Social Work Practitioners Bill which both institutions recognize that its enactment will strengthen the protection of persons with disabilities and older persons by ensuring that only professionally trained, competent and accredited practitioners deliver social work services.
Furthermore, ASWiM reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for policies, legislation and programmes that advance the rights, inclusion, protection and wellbeing of persons with disabilities and older persons, in support of the Department's mandate
On the other hand, the Department further welcomed ASWiM's participation in relevant Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and agreed to actively participate in ASWiM initiatives, including the development of the CPD curriculum and other professionalization activities. To facilitate effective coordination, both institutions designated focal persons for continued engagement. The meeting provided an opportunity for ASWiM to introduce its newly recruited Desk Officers for Disability and Elderly Affairs.
The meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between Government and the social work profession and reaffirms a shared commitment to building a competent, ethical and responsive social service workforce that leaves no one behind.
