Forum: Social service jobs not inferior to others
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The launch of four new national awards for social service professionals is a pivotal initiative ( New national awards to recognise work of social service professionals
This is an opportune time to show more appreciation and recognition to these professionals, whose hard work is seldom noticed or praised.
Some people believe joining the social service is a calling to minister to others’ needs, as they think it will add meaning and purpose to their lives.
Regrettably, there is a public perception that employees in non-profit institutions should be paid less with fewer staff benefits. But people do not realise that these employees are committed and passionate about what they are doing, at times under difficult situations. Like those in other professions, they too have families and loved ones to care for and household bills to pay.
As the social service sector will continue to grow and create more job opportunities and career prospects, it is pivotal for social institutions to recruit more skilled personnel.
To this end, stakeholders, including the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the National Council of Social Service, can create their own programmes to motivate more to join the social service sector. They would do well to highlight the various initiatives which have a positive impact on the community.
More importantly, we have to change the mindset of people who have the notion that social service jobs are inferior to others.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
