This award is granted to a British Columbia social worker in recognition of their contributions to improving children’s lives and wellbeing in ways that reflect the philosophy of Dr. Janusz Korczak. The Janusz Korczak Association of Canada recognizes social workers as worthy carriers of Dr. Korczak’s legacy, in that they are working directly with children, and in this way they have the opportunity to put Korczak’s beliefs into daily practice.

Over her twenty-year career Ferne Strain MSW, RSW,  has been championing the wellbeing of children and protecting their rights. Ferne holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree (UBCO, 2002) with a specialization in child welfare and a Master of Social Work degree (UBC, 2006). She is a member of the BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW) and a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers. Ferne is a member of both the BCASW Indigenous Members Committee providing guidance to the Association and the BC College of Social Workers Indigenous Committee.

The award is funded by Heidy and Charles Kux-Kardos in memory of Charles’ father Arpad Langfelder and his brother Isti.

The award was co-presented by Jerry Nussbaum, the president of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada and Carol Ross, representing the BC Association of Social Workers during “An Evening with Minister Sheila Malcolmson” organized to celebrate the Social Workers Week.

The award presentation was preceded by a heartwarming address by Lillian Boraks-Nemetz, author and board member of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada. Lillian introduced Dr. Korczak to the audience and portrayed the relevance of Dr. Korczak’s legacy in today’s reality, particularly in view of the war in Ukraine.