Orientation visit to Visthar, Bengaluru

A one-day orientation visit to Visthar was organsied by the Department of Social Work, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, for the 1^styear MSW students. The students were accompanied by two faculty members from the Department of Social Work- Dr. Mary Princess Lavanya, AssistantProfessor and Ms. Latha Paul, Assistant Professor. The orientation began with an explanation by a representative of Visthar on the need for the existence of the organisation. The moto of the organisation- break the silence was touched upon. It was informed to the students that the motoimplies breaking cultural and developmental barriers for different classes of society. It was also pointed out that this organisation was initially established in the year 1989 and began by focusing on women empowerment. It may be noted that Visthar also engages in selling plants as an eco-initiative. The organisation reaches out to the general public through email, social-media platforms, and through the newspaper. Post tea-break, the students were given an opportunity to clarify any doubts. Then, the students were encouraged to visit the paper reuse/ recycle sector that portrayed various items made of real paper. This is yet another eco-initiative of the organisation. The students were also permitted to have a look around the arena following which the visit came to an end and a student representative thanked the representative from Visthar for spending her valuable time with the students.

Orientation visit to Vimochana, Bengaluru

A one-day orientation visit to Vimochana, an organisation working for the rights of women, was organsied by the Department of Social Work, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, for the 1^styear MSW students on 27th June, 2019. Two faculty members from the Department of Social Work- Dr. Mary Princess Lavanya, AssistantProfessor and Ms. Latha Paul, Assistant Professor, accompanied the students.The orientation began with an introduction to the need for the existence of the organisation. The representative from Vimochana explained how gender equality was once almost non-existent and the various historical events that had led to the emergence of the concept of women’s rights. The inhuman acts of violence and torture experienced by women during world war two was also described in detail. The existence of neonaticideor the killing of the new-born (especially female) within 24 hours of its birth in some regions of the nation was also highlighted. Other issues that were discussed included the problem of sexual harassment faced by women as well as the issue of missile testing by some developed nations in certain islands that was leading to the ill-health of many children. Overall, the orientation visit was an eye-opening visit for many of the students and helped them develop a deeper understanding of the problems faced by women and the specific social issues that require urgent attention. The visit ended at 4 PM. A student representative thanked the representatives from Vimochana for spending their valuable time with the students.  

Workshop on Research Methodology for IInd MSW students

A one-day workshop on ‘Research Methodology’ was organsied by the Department of Social Work, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, for the II^ndyear MSW students. The workshop was handled by two faculty members from the Department of Social Work- Dr. Alan Godfrey,Assistant Professor and P.G. Coordinator and Dr. S. Rama Gokula Krishnan, Assistant Professor. The workshop began at 9 AM with a true or false game on the basics of research. Dr. Krishnan explained the various concepts involved in research such as empiricism, data, research question, variables, and constructs. This session was followed by an activity for students which involved selecting a research topic. This provided an opportunity for students to apply what they had learnt. The students were divided into four groups and were asked to come up with a research question containing a topic involving constructs that were measurable. Post the activity, a session on review of literature was handled by Dr. Godfrey where he discussed matters such as the relevance of literature review and research gap. He also explained about the need and importance of following a particular research process and establishing a theoretical and conceptual framework in research. Dr. Krishnan conducted an exercise on choosing a concept and explaining its etymology and evolution which would form part of any study’s introduction. After a team discussion, representatives from each of the four groups presented a brief description of a concept of their choice. This was followed by a session where Dr. Krishnan explained the concept of dependent and independent variables. Students from each group were asked to draw and explain a conceptual framework with independent and depended variables. Dr. Krishnan then explained about the types of hypotheses. 

Post lunch, Dr. Krishnan explained the concept of research design and the various types of research designs. Dr. Krishnan covered several other topics such as sampling techniques, essentials of a good report, plagiarism and ethics in research, and so on. The results of the group activity were announced at the end of the session. The workshop was concluded at 4 PM by a vote of thanks by the Head of the Department Lt. Akshay D. Mandlikwho also asked the students to provide an anonymous online feedback on the workshop. 

Two-day Orientation Programme for BSW &MSW students

Day 1: A two-day orientation programme for Social Work students was organised by the Department of Social Work in St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) on the 13^thand 14^thof June, 2019. The first day of the programme began with a prayer song by students from III^rdBSW followed by the welcome address by the Head of the Department, Lt. Akshay D. Mandlik.He welcomed all the students and faculty members to the new academic year, especially the new comers (I^stBSWs and I^stMSWs) and three new faculty members. He also informed the gathering that Dr. Alan Godfreywould now be serving as the PG-Coordinator. 

Post the introduction, Prof. Kiran Jeevan, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, highlighted the history of Department of Social Work, which was established in the year 2005, under the inspiring guidance of former Principal of the college- Fr. Dr. Ambrose Pinto. A detailed introduction on the various areas of expertise of the faculty members was then given by Dr. Godfrey.

Post the session by Dr. Godfrey, icebreakers were conducted by Dr. Mary Princess Lavanya andProf. Latha Paul, Assistant Professors, Department of Social Work,in order to facilitate improved interaction among the students in the Department. Post lunch, Dr. Godfrey conducted a session on paper presentation The orientation session on field work and its associated components were discussed by Fr. Dr. Augustine Lourdu, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work. In his session, Fr. Dr. Augustine focused on the objectives of field work, the technique of applying Social Work theories in the field, helping students to identify, plan, and implement Social Work intervention, and so on. Dr. Augustine also took the students through the new field work policy. The first day of the programme concluded at 4 PM.

Day 2: The second day of the orientation programme began with separate sessions for the BSW and MSW students. The MSW students gathered in Loyola hall of the Auditorium Block where Prof. Viola Noronha,Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, handled a session on the prescribed formats for reporting methods of Social Work such as Case Work, Group Work, and Community Programme. Post this session, Prof. Kiran Jeevanexplained the prescribed format for field work reporting. He also encouraged the II^ndMSW students to share their experiences in field work.

The second session of the day took place in Xavier’s hall of the PG block. Students gathered in the hall at 2.30 PM. The Department had invited Mr. Manohar from CARE,to animate a discussion on addressing important social issues and dangerous social evils in the country. Mr. Manohar is a renowned social activist and scholar who has also worked with SICHREM and PUCL in the past. He began the session by reiterating the need for young people to come together and start raising their voice against the various forms of human rights violations. Apart from this, he addressed an array of social issues such as the plight of members of the LGBTQ community, the practice of honour killings, prevalence of domestic violence at home and sexual harassment at the workplace. Students were divided into 15 groups with each group being assigned with one case study. The case studies were then presented by a representative of each group followed by a discussion. With that, the two-day orientation programme concluded. Fr. Dr. Augustine Lourdu thanked Mr. Manohar for spending his valuable time with the students.