To demonstrate our commitment, we have set aside R120 million over the MTEF period to expand this intervention. As part of the department's extension of its work on disability and assisting people with special needs, we will commence interventions with the two highly neglected areas of autism and albinism. Many children and young people in our country who have these conditions and special needs remain without assistance from government.
With this budget, we continue our determination of recruiting and retaining more social work professionals as part of our endeavours to increase access to quality services and deal effectively with various social problems. We have awarded financial assistance to 8 569 social work students. [Applause.] In this current financial year alone, we have awarded bursaries to 2 037 students. The budget allocation for the social work scholarship programme has grown steadily from R50 million in 2007 to R250 million in the current financial year. [Applause.] I am pleased to announce that we have approved the provincial implementation plans to absorb all newly qualified social work graduates.
Government's midterm review report showed that while much progress has been made since 2009, the implementation of policies remains a key challenge, particularly at service delivery level. To address this, the Department of Social Development, together with Sassa and the National Development Agency, NDA, will embark on a nationwide frontline service delivery improvement initiative, focusing on the poorest wards in the country. This will be a face-to-face engagement with people in municipalities so that we can jointly determine the nature and quality of the services we are delivering.
This budget provides an opportunity to accelerate our march towards Vision 2030. We recognise and commend the selfless and dedicated contributions of community-based organisations, faith-based organisations and nongovernmental organisations in the many aspects of social development service delivery. Indeed, we view all these organisations as full partners in the work we do.
I would like to conclude by expressing my deepest gratitude to my colleague and comrade, Mama Maria Ntuli, and all MECs for their enduring support and outstanding contribution. In addition, I extend my sincere appreciation to the former director-general, Mr Vusi Madonsela, for the excellent contribution he made to the Department of Social Development for over a decade. [Applause.] I would also like to congratulate Mr Coceko Pakade on his appointment as the Director-General of the Department of Social Development. [Applause.]
Finally, I express my gratitude to the chief executive officer of Sassa, Ms Virginia Peterson; chief financial officer of the NDA, Dr Vuyelwa Nhlapho; and chairperson and members of the NDA board, special advisors and all members of the Department of Social Development family for their hard work dedicated to the service of our people.
I would also like to congratulate my father, who will be 80 years old on Friday. He is here with us, with some members of the family.