Sixteen social workers have been presented with the Social Work Award for 2008 by the Maltese Association of Social Workers (MASW).

The focus of the European countries of the International Federation of Social Workers for this year is: “Standards in Social Work Practice – Meeting Human Rights”. In keeping with this theme, the MASW gave out awards to outstanding social work professionals in various areas of practice.

Anthea Agius, MASW chairperson, inaugurated the ceremony with a speech on the development and achievements of social work as a profession in Malta and the challenges ahead. Social Policy Minister John Dalli followed with a speech on the importance of the role of the social worker towards social justice and the constant improvement required to provide an efficient service to those who are in need. The minister presented the awards to the social workers working in the following fields:

Children: Ruth Sciberras and John Role

Adults: Antoinette Gatt Rutter

Health: Salvina Frendo-Cumbo

Mental Health: Miriam Agius

Elderly: Maria Camilleri

Disability: Rosanne Fenech

Addiction: Manuel Mangani

Community: Marija Zahra

Education: Sharon Farrugia

Residential Care: Johann Ciantar

Research: Dr Marceline Naudi

Social Policy: Dr Charles Pace

Special Awards: Dr Maureen Cole, Melchiore Ellul and Joseph Gerada