St James social worker to get national recognition

Social worker Ivel McLean has long been having a positive impact on the lives of residents in volatile and vulnerable communities in St James.

McLean, who was instrumental in establishing a longstanding youth club in Canterbury and a police youth club in Albion Lane, will be awarded a Badge of Honour for long and faithful service to community development on National Heroes Day.

"I am very happy about it (the award) because when you work, of course, sometimes you should be recognised. So I am very happy about that," McLean, who has been a social worker for 35 years, said.

Born in Roehampton, St James, the mother of three started her career at the Social Development Commission in 1983, and has worked as a community development officer and field services manager.

McLean said the establishment of the clubs at Canterbury and Albion Lane are among her most memorable accomplishments.

When asked what has kept her on the job for over three decades, McLean attributes this to the opportunities afforded her to transform lives.

"When I look and see that my labour [has] not [been] in vain, and I have seen changes in individuals and in the communities, [those] keep me going," she said.