Empowerment of social workers and social work profession

Gyangunj Development Nepal (GDN) is a non-profit organization registered under KathmanduDistrict Administration Office, and Social Welfare Council.A group of youth registered an organization after realizing the need for addressing the problems associated with substance abuse related harms among the youth.Youth are considered as most at high-risk population towards addiction and transmission of blood borne disease like HIV, HEP C; HEP B, STIs globally. GDN practices social work scientifically and systematically keeping youth at the centre. The overall functioning and implementation of the programs are based specifically within the framework of social work perspective.

GDN primarily focuses on bridging the gap on supply reduction, harm reduction and demand reduction programs through coordination among the different concerned stakeholders including Government of Nepal. The organization holds the expertise in social work profession. With the aim of youth empowerment through different capacity building activities, GDN functions for promoting and safeguarding social work as a profession.

Social work is highly recognized profession globally and it has a potential to establish itself as a profession in Nepal as well. The process for legal recognition is not in a consideration by government authorities.Considering the situation, GDN provides a common platform for trained and professional social workers for their identity and recognition. At the same time, the capacity building and empowerment of social worker is facilitated through various advocacy programs like seminars and conferences.