Education Of Social Workers In Poland And Slovakia

A dynamic development of social work began in the former Czechoslovakia in 1980 and was subsequently continued in the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Significant transformations in the Slovakian education system were initiated after 1989. At that time, young people began to notice the importance of education, career advancement and involvement in public affairs. Similarly, numerous activities aimed at setting up and developing a democratic society were undertaken in Poland and embraced also the sphere of education. A gradual reform of social services commenced in both countries after 1989, was followed in the next years by the introduction of new solutions that had a significant impact both on education in the field of social work and on establishing the profession of social worker. Education of social workers concentrates on transferring knowledge, developing skills and shaping attitudes that are conducive to effective work. Taking into account the evolvement of the education process in these countries, organized symposia, conferences and joint undertakings, as well as discussions on the emergence of social work as a scientific discipline in Poland, attempts were made to compare and present the ways of educating social workers developed in the neighbouring countries.