NASW and the NASW Foundation in conjunction with Professionals Abroad, a division of Academic Travel Abroad, have planned two social work delegations to Cuba this year.

“This is an excellent opportunity to interact with social workers and service providers in Cuba and to learn about the similarities and differences in how services to children, families and older persons are provided,” said Joan Levy Zlotnik, director of the NASW Foundation’s Social Work Policy Institute.

Zlotnik, who will lead the Social Services for the Aging delegation to Cuba in March, said the venture “is an important chance to learn more about Cuba’s neighborhood-based, preventive health care efforts and services to older persons.”

Luisa Lopez, director of human rights and international affairs for NASW, will lead the Child Protection and Youth Services delegation in February.

Both groups plan to meet with members of the Cuban National Association of Social Workers and related groups as well as non-governmental organizations.

Attendees also will meet with health officials to discuss social workers’ roles in providing health services in the country.

The professional exchange is an NASW Social Workers Across Nations project and all delegates are NASW members. SWAN allows social workers to take part in international social work programs and exchanges to offer expertise and learn within the international community.