The “Strengthening Social Work Education in Pakistan” (SSWEP) project is a critical collaborative initiative in partnership between Centre for Regional Policy and Dialogue (CRPD) with the University of Bradford UK and supported by UNICEF. The project is designed to address identified gaps in the current national framework for social work. It recognizes that effective social service delivery, especially in areas like child protection and vulnerable community support, relies heavily on a professional, well-trained workforce.
The project’s overarching goal is to enhance the quality, relevance and standardization of social work education across Pakistan, with a specific focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab province in the current phase. This involves conducting comprehensive research to review the existing social work curriculum, exploring opportunities for professional accreditation and developing robust placement and practical training strategies. Ultimately, SSWEP seeks to create a more effective link between academic theory, professional practice and the complex needs of the field thereby professionalizing the social work sector to better serve the most marginalized populations.