The province is investing in training to help address the underrepresentation of Black/African Nova Scotians in the field of social work and alleviate pressures on the health care and social service systems.
Through the Africentric undergraduate social work cohort pilot program at Dalhousie University, 25 undergraduate social work applicants can learn as part of an Africentric cohort, beginning in September.
“We have a mission to grow and foster a proactive and inclusive post-secondary education system where everyone can learn, grow and prosper,” said Brian Wong, Minister for Advanced Education. “A strong and diverse social work sector is an important piece of improving healthcare and we are pleased to work with African leaders in Nova Scotia and the Dalhousie School of Social Work to create a personalized learning experience that will help meet the diverse needs of many Scots Nova.
The three-year part-time cohort is open to Black/African students from Nova Scotia from across the province and students of African descent living in Canada. Participants will learn from Dalhousie faculty members of Nova Scotia/African descent, using a curriculum developed by a community-based advisory committee of an Afrocentric social work graduate.
The committee includes representatives from the Nova Scotia African Decade Coalition for People of African Descent; the Delmore (Buddy) Daye Learning Institute; Dalhousie School of Social Work, College of Health, Transition Year Program, Nova Scotia African Community Engagement, and Promoting Health Leadership for Nova Scotian Africans; Community Services Department; Association of Black Social Workers; Department of Advanced Education; Department of Health and Welfare; Nova Scotia College of Social Workers; and the African Empowerment Academy.
Cohort-based learning allows a group to learn and work their way through a series of courses together, offering a supportive learning style that helps students succeed.
Quotes:
The goal of our Department is for children and families to feel safe and respected. As we continue to develop the Department’s anti-black racism strategy, the creation of this program at Dalhousie University is an important step, and we hope that graduates of the program will choose us as their employer and support our clients in culturally appropriate ways. and receptive. ways.
Karla MacFarlane, Minister of Community Services.
Many Nova Scotians of diverse backgrounds have seen or experienced discrimination, and that can make them less likely to seek care and support when they need it. It is very important that all Nova Scotians see themselves represented in our health professions. It strengthens our entire system and is better for the people we serve. This new social work cohort will help us strengthen the support we offer across the province and hopefully encourage more Black/African youth in Nova Scotia to consider a career in this important field.
michelle thompson, Minister of Health and Welfare
This program is designed to break down the barriers to post-secondary education for African Nova Scotians and people of African descent interested in becoming social workers. Courses will be delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face classes that facilitate participation by people living in rural Nova Scotia and/or working people. Tremendous thanks are extended to the community-based advisory committee, as their knowledge and cultural expertise have fueled this initiative.
judy macdonald, director, dalhousie school of social work
Fast facts:
- the Advanced Education, Health and Wellness, and Community Services departments will provide a total of $175,000 each year, from 2023 to 2026, for this unique cohort
- From 2023 to 2026, Dalhousie University will contribute additional $47,000 in-kind support annually and up to $60,000 annually for additional financial awards to help with tuition, books, computers, or other related costs
- in October 2022, the province announced a practical nursing cohort through Nova Scotia Community College, open to 30 Mi’kmaw students throughout Nova Scotia
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