2006 Leon Ginsberg Award for International Social Work Students

The South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers announced the 2006 Leon Ginsberg Award for International Social Work Students was awarded to Ms. Vivian Castro.

From left to right: Jerry Brewer, Director of Student Life, Vivian Castro, Dr. Leon Ginsberg

From left to right: Jerry Brewer, Director of Student Life, Emily Dawes, Chief of Staff, Student Government, Vivian Castro, Dr. Leon Ginsberg

From left to right: Jerry Brewer, Director of Student Life, Veronica Castro, Vivian Castro, Dr. Leon Ginsberg

From left to right: Jerry Brewer, Director of Student Life, Janis Hogan, Vivian Castro, Dr. Leon Ginsberg

---

Acceptance Speech by Vivian Castro

The lack of a national insurance in Ecuador helps to increase the mortality rate among Ecuadorian citizens. Unemployed citizens are not being covered by any kind of insurance. In Ecuador, the social security which provides insurance is only for citizens that are currently working. For this reason, I will advocate for a national health system that protects all citizens without discriminating against them because of their working status.

I have learned through my social work education that advocacy, activism and lobbying are great techniques in order to create big changes in unfair or discriminatory systems. Consequently, I will implement these techniques in my agenda. A national health system will improve the well-being of my fellow citizens. Jane Addams and Florence Kelley are two great examples of how advocacy can help a vulnerable population improve its social and economic conditions.

In addition, I will use my knowledge in policy to implement social programs that will help less fortunate citizens acquire resources that are not already provided by the central government such as free breakfast and lunch for pre-school children and free medicine for people below the poverty line. Also, I will advocate for people with special needs, creating a fair education system which they can be part. The primary goal of the social worker is to understand people’s need and help them resolve their problems. My experience and education in the United States of America has shown me how to lead social movements in an effort to eradicate social injustice.