Forum: “Social Work Transforms Lives” in commemoration of Social Worker Day

Within the framework of the Social Worker's Day in Panama, Social Work students from the La Chorrera campus participated in a significant academic day alongside a UMECIT graduate, in the forum entitled: “Social Work Transforms Lives”.

This space was consolidated as a meeting for reflection, dialogue and exchange of experiences among students, teachers, and professionals, where the current challenges of the profession, the impact of Social Work on the transformation of communities, and the role of the social worker as an agent of change were analyzed.

The day strengthened the relationship between academia and professional practice, reaffirming the commitment of UMECIT with the comprehensive education of its students and their contribution to the country's social development. The interaction between generations—students in training and graduating professionals—allowed for recognition of achievements and a spotlight on the challenges that persist in social work in Panama.

Linking the substantive functions of UMECIT

Teaching: Critical and meaningful learning was promoted by providing spaces for academic reflection that strengthen the skills of the future social worker.
Research: The analysis of social realities and the generation of proposals that reinforce the value of Social Work as a transformative discipline were encouraged.
Extension: The activity projected the university towards the community, articulating training experiences with specific social needs.
Management: Coordination between academic bodies allowed for the consolidation of a comprehensive training space, aligned with the educational and social mission of UMECIT.

The participation of a graduated as a speaker, along with the active support of teachers and students, reaffirmed the value of building Collaboration networks between academia and professional practice, highlighting the role of Social Work as a discipline committed to human and social development in Panama.