Skit on Human Trafficking

On the world day against trafficking in persons, the students of St. Joseph’s College aimed to create awareness about human trafficking as an effort to defeat this atrocious social problem. The skit was performed in cafeteria of the Magis block of St. Joseph’s College. The NCC members were also a part in spreading the awareness of human trafficking by holding placards that spoke against human trafficking. The 1^styear BSW and NCC trainees had a session with the Director and Founder of Talaash Association, Mrs. Seema Diwan. She highlighted and stressed on the fact that human trafficking is a serious crime that still exists and cruelty does not only happen to humans, but to animals as well.This she articulated with the help of videos and some real life stories that she has come across. Mrs. Diwan also addressed the causes of human trafficking, the process of human trafficking and the components of it and pointed out an important fact i.e., demand of the customers is an encouragement for this practice. She stated that our country needed a system that teaches humanity, that strengthens a girl to walk even during the night, where authorities are there to help the people and law and order which will take necessary and appropriate action against any form violence This is where as social workers or as the youth, one could take a big step in putting an end to human trafficking, she stated. 

Orientation visit to SICHREM, Bengaluru

A one-day orientation visit was organised by Department of Social Work to the South India Cell for Human Rights (SICHREM), Bengaluru, for the 1^stMSW students. The orientation was handled by Mr. Mathews Philips, Executive Director and Ms.Margaret Sampath. Ms. Sampath explained to the students about the ethos of the organisation. She informed the students that SICHREM was concerned about all forms of human rights violations and did not restrict itself to only focusing on one vulnerable group. She then went on to highlight the importance of protecting and preserving human rights of people and how SICHREM operates. She also stated that many scholars pursuing their PhD visit SICHREM to read and analyse the case study files and other documents SICHREM possess. This was followed by a talk by Mr. Mathews Philips, the Executive Director of the organisation, on the history of the organisation and how it was making a difference. He highlighted some of the challenges the organisation had faced in the past and how it had helped several people over the years by protecting and preserving their human rights. Mr. Philips also spoke of custodial deaths and how it needed to be prevented. The orientation visit concluded at 12 PM. A representative from the students thanked the organisation and its staff for their support. 

Orientation Visit to Asha Kiran, Special Needs School-Bengaluru

The students of 1^stMSW, St. Joseph’s College had an orientation visit to the Asha Kiran Special Needs School, Bengaluru. The orientation began at 11:15A.M. Ms. Dono, the social worker of the school explained to the students about the school in detail. Asha Kiran Special Needs School is an accredited institution of National Open Schooling. It caters to students from Pre-School right up to 12th grade. It also has a vocational training centre for students who are unable to pursue academics. The focus being, training students in independent living. The student teacher ratio is 1:8 in order to ensure individual attention. Each class has a mix of students with different abilities, which has enabled them to be sensitive to the needs of each other and to be helpful too. The main focus is on teaching skills and concepts rather than finishing the textbook or passing an exam. Dr. Rita James, the founder and director of the school clarified the doubts raised by the students. Ms. Monica, student, 1^stMSW thanked the Dr. Rita for spending time with the students and explaining to them about the organisation. The orientation concluded at 12: 45 PM.

Orientation Visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor- Home for the Aged

A one day orientation visit was organised by the Department of Social Work to The Little Sisters Home for Poor” for the 1st year MSW students. The visit was organised by two faculty members from the department of Social work- Dr. Alan Godfrey, PG coordinator and Dr. S. Rama Gokula Krishnan, the class mentor. The orientation began at 10AM with an introduction to the home by the speaker-Mr. Mark Rebello, who is also one of the benefactors of the agency. He explained to the students about the history of the agency and about the founder and how this agency came into existence. He also explained as to how the sisters manage the organisation. He touched upon the experience, lifestyle, and facilities provided to the people staying in the organisation such as the medical checkups that are carried out on a weekly basis. The trainees were taken around the home and were given an opportunity to interact with the residents. The trainees also sang songs with the residents which left both the trainees and the residents feeling happier and more connected. On the whole, the orientation visit provided the trainees with a new insight into the lives of senior citizens living in old age homes. 

Programme on Child Rights Awareness

The  Social Work Students Association (SWSA) assigned the 1^st MSW students of the Department of Social Work, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous) to organise an event based on the Child Rights Awareness Day (17^th, July, 2019). After a course of detailed planning by the class, it was decided that the programme would be conducted in three different settings-in a graveyard community, a government school, and a slum community. The aim of selecting such settings was to interact with children, a majority of whom hail from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the main agenda of the event was to educate children about their basic rights, focusing on the right to life, education, and childhood along with stressing upon the idea of good touch and bad touch, and about the presence of the child helpline. The class of 1^stMSW conducted interesting and interactive activities for the children with special focus on child rights. In every setting, there were social work trainees from other classes, members of SWSA and the faculty of the Department of Social Work who were present to encourage and support the students. It was a proud moment for the SWSA, the Department, and the 1st MSW students.

Towards A Hate Free Society: Let’s End Lynching

A one day programme titled “Towards A Hate Free Society: Let’s End Lynching” was organised in Loyola Hall of St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru on 16th July, 2019. The programme began at 5:00 PM with a street play on lynching and discrimination, organised by students from Christ (deemed to be) University, which set the tone for the evening. The three speakers were felicitated and introduced to the gathering. The first speaker Mr. Harsh Mander spoke about how majority of the victims of lynching belong to the religious minority and lower caste. He also spoke and defined hate crimes as crimes that are committed not because of one’s activities but because of one’s identity. The next speaker, Ms. Vidya Dinkar was then invited to provide her view on the raging topic. Ms. Dinkar spoke more in terms of her experiences in Mangalore. She raised the important issue of how hate crimes are hidden and forged as  different cases at police stations. The final speaker, Mr. Sharib A. Ali stated that there had been 948 cases of lynching, half of which had occurred due to religious reasons. At around 07:45 PM, the question and answer session began. There were many enthusiasts from different fields present among the audience who raised different questions on this issue, which the speakers answered. The programme concluded at 08:30 PM.

Three day Training on Life Skills for 1st BSW Students

A three day training on life-skills was organised for the 1^st BSW students. The  first session was conducted in Aloysius hall,  on the 5^th of July, 2019, by Ms. Viola Noronha, Assistant Professor. The session was on effective communication skills. On the 11th of July, 2019, Dr. Fr. Agustine Lourdu, Assistant Professor, conducted a session on self awareness, and on the 12th of July, 2019,  Lt. Akshay D. Mandlik, Head of Department & Assistant Professor conducted a session on decision making skills. The aim of this three day session was to help students become familiar with the concepts of communication; such as, listening, perception, verbal and non-verbal communication,  apart from sharpening their understanding on self-awareness and decision making skills. The lectures on each topic was coupled with various interactive activities. This was aimed at furthering the trainees' understanding and application of the topics in the real world.

41st session of the Human Rights Council, UN.

Ms. Maria Roshini Sundar Raj of 16 BSW batch, Department of Social Work, St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, attended the 41^stsession of the Human Rights Council. The session took place at Palais des Nations, United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland in June, 2019. Representing an ECOSOC Organization in the UN Assembly, Ms. Sundar Raj pointed out the atrocities being committed against the Tamil people living in the North and East of Sri Lanka. Ms. Sundar Raj also witnessed discussions between nations on a wide variety of issues and challenges being faced by the world today. It also provided her with an opportunity to understand several matters relating to human rights on a global scale. It must be noted that Ms. Sundar Raj is the second student from the Department of Social Work to attend an event/session at the United Nations.

Orientation visit to Snehadaan, Bengaluru

As part of the curriculum, students of 1^st MSW, were taken to ‘Snehadaan’ by the Department of Social Work, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru. The session began at 10:30 AM. An insight into the organisation’s aims and objectives was given by Ms. Shyja Jose. She informed the students that Snehadaan was a 50 bedded care centre intended to support and treat people living with HIV (PLHIV). Snehadaan first began functioning in the year 1997. Currently, it provides an array of services for HIV infected children and adults, and palliative care for the terminally ill. Ms. Jose then described the challenges one faces while dealing with HIV/AIDS infected persons. 

After the orientation session, students visited the school for the HIV infected children run by the organisation. It was informed that the children after becoming adults were free to pursue any field of study/work they were interested in. After a short interaction with the children, the orientation visit came to an end. 

Orientation visit to Sumanahalli Society, Bengaluru

An orientation visit to Sumanahalli society was organised by the Department of Social Work, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, for the I^styear MSW students. The orientation was handled byMr. Musthan, Resource Person, Sumanahalli. The orientation began at 10:00 AM with an introduction to the organisation. Mr. Musthan gave a detailed description of the history, mission, vision, and administrative structure of the organisation. He explained to the trainees that the word Sumanahalli means ‘Village of People of Good Heart’. He then gave a detailed description of leprosy, its causes, signs & symptoms, and its types. He also talked about HIV/ AIDS during the session. Later, the said resource person along with trainees walked across the vast area covered by Sumanahalli society. The trainees visited Ave Maria House where about 60 leprosy patients are currently living and the resource person introduced staff members and patients to the trainees. The trainees had an opportunity to examine some of the products such as woollen clothes, candles, leather products, and paper bags which were made in the organisation itself for the economic betterment of the affected individuals.  This was followed by a visit to the nearby St. Joseph’s Convent School where children from affected families are being educated. The students also interacted with the administrative staff of another organisation called ‘support’ which is aimed at helping and rehabilitating people affected by HIV/AIDS. With that, the orientation visit came to an end.

Fieldwork orientation visit to Rainbow Homes, Bengaluru

A one-day orientation visit to Rainbow Homes took place on the 5^thof July, 2019. The students were divided into two groups. One group visited Sneh Ghar, which is a home for male (boys) children from the streets. The other group of students visited the girls’ home in Wilson Garden. The orientation session at Sneh Ghar was handled by Mr. Santosh and the session at the Wilson Garden home for girls was handled by Ms. Shiny Vincent. Both sessions began at around 2 PM and the students were informed about the history of the organisation and its activities. Students were informed that the aim of the organisation was to shelter one of the most vulnerable sections of the society which is street children. The rainbow network runs 45 homes across India.  Rainbow Home secures the basic rights of the children through guaranteed education, nutrition, clothing, health care, recreation, love and support to ensure their reintegration into the mainstream of Indian Society. The children are enrolled to regular classes in school according to their age after a short period of observation and personal bridge course sessions. Post the orientation, students were given an opportunity to interact with the children in both homes. The students conducted a few fun activities for the children. The children then showed the students around the homes, following which the orientation visit concluded.

Orientation by Hope Torch Foundation

A one-day orientation programme was organised by the Department of Social Work, St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, in collaboration with Hope Torch Foundation, for the 1^styear MSW students. The orientation began at 10:30 AM with an introduction to the organisation by the Director of the organisation- Mr. Arun. The organisation was first established in the year 2012 in Chennai and then later expanded to Bengaluru. The Bengaluru branch is located in Kothanur and has about nine centers at present. The mission of the organisation is to reach children (who need care). The vision of the organisation is to enhance the self-worth of the children who are abandoned, trafficked, are orphan or semi-orphan. The organisation conducts medical camps and educational programmes which help children overcome their shortcomings. The organisation makes use of various creative methods for teaching and to enhance the learning of the children. Some of the other programmes offered to the children by the organisation include- leadership classes, advance coaching (academic programme), quarterly goal, inside-out, clear the board (10th graders), pathfinders, etc. Some of the campaigns conducted by them include remote volunteering and self-worth post cards. The orientation ended at 1 PM with a vote of thanks by a student representative who thanked the organisation and its director for their presence and efforts in explaining to the students about the activities of organisation. 

Special Lecture on Social Work Profession in the U.S. by Dr. Hye-Kyung Kang

A special lecture was organsied by the Department of Social Work for the 1^styear BSW students of the college. The chief guest invited was Dr. Hye-Kyung Kang, Director and Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Seattle University, U.S.A.

The very informative special lecture began at around 11 AM. Dr. Kang spoke about the University of Seattle and the Bachelor and Master of Social Work programmes that the university offers. She informed the students about the requirements for being a social worker in the United States. Later, during the interaction session that occurred between the students and Dr. Kang, she answered several questions related to social work profession. Dr Kang explained that although the profession had its own unique challenges, it was in fact a privilege to be trained as a social worker because it gives one a very satisfying career. She then went on to state the various job opportunities for social work professionals in the United States. She also spoke about her experiences as a social worker and why she chose the profession of social work. She concluded the lecture by stating that in order to be any professional, it was necessary to have a strong community which motivates the individual through difficult times. 

This was followed by a small cultural programme by the students showcasing the Indian culture. A student representative ended the programme with the vote of thanks to Dr. Kang for interacting with the students and sharing her experiences as a Social Worker. 

SWSA Investiture Ceremony, 2019

The Department of Social Work, St Joseph’s College, held the investiture ceremony to appoint new office bearers of the Social Work Students Association (SWSA) on July 3^rd, 2019. Mr. Sankalp Mohan Sharma, India’s youngest youth ambassador to the United Nations and founder of Sachh foundation, graced the occasion and inspired the students with his talk on the need to protect the environment. The new office bearers of SWSA took charge and took a vow to keep up the spirit of SWSA and work for the betterment of students. 

The programme began at 4 PM with a prayer song to invoke the blessings of the almighty. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Mridula T, the newly elected Vice President of SWSA. The programme was inaugurated by the watering of a plant as a symbol of goodwill for the environment by the chief guest, faculties, and office bearers of SWSA. The chief guest was introduced by Mr. Arjun, a 1^styear BSW student. Mr. Sankalp Mohan Sharma is the founder of Sachh foundation which works in more than 10 countries towards attaining the UN Sustainable development goals. He was one of the youngest individuals to attend the climate reality leadership training at Huston, Texas at the age of 15. Climate reality project is an international organisation founded by Mr. Al Gore, former president of United States and Nobel laureate in response to the worldwide climate crisis. From then on, Mr. Sankalp went on to conduct awareness sessions, workshops, and seminars to school and college students on the issue of climate change and represented India in various international forums including the United Nations General Assembly. 

Prof. Kiran Jeevanthen explained the origins of SWSA and its predecessor – REACH (Research, Education, Academics, Community development, and Human resources). REACH was a forum for social work students founded in 2007 under the guidance of the then principal of St Joseph’s College – Fr. Cecil Saldanha. Later in 2012, SWSA was born as an organisation solely run by students and elections were conducted to elect its leaders. After the session on the history of the association, Prof. Viola Noronha, the faculty coordinator of SWSA facilitated the investiture ceremony where the new team of office bearers – president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, cultural secretary and two programme coordinators took charge. A group photo and vote of thanks by the SWSA president followed the investiture ceremony. Post the formal programme, a cultural programme took place where the students showcased their talents. The programme concluded at 6 PM. 

Special Lecture on Integrity Leadership

The Department of Social work, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) organised a guest lecture on Integrity leadership on 29^thJune, 2019 at Xavier Hall, PG block. The resource person for the lecture was Prof. Dr. Christoph Stuckelberger. He is the founder and President of Global ethics.net Foundation. He is also a Professor Emeritus of Systemic theology/Ethics at the University of Basel, Switzerland. A psychotherapist by profession, he is also an ordained Protestant Pastor and has been a part of numerous advisory and consultancy boards and organisations. 

Before the lecture, Dr. Stuckelberger had a short meeting with all the faculty members of the Department of Social Work along with the Director for Research, the Registrar, and the Vice-Principal. After being introduced to everyone, Dr. Stuckelberger explained his area of interest. He described the work done by the organisation in educational institutions. For example- preventing ethics violations in research such as plagiarism.After the short discussion there was an official welcoming ceremony followed by the lecture. 

The lecture began with welcome address by the emcee and introduction of the guest by the Social Work Students Association (SWSA) secretary Ms. Sharifa Behsad. After the felicitation of the guests, Rev. Father Principal, Dr. Victor Lobo SJ thanked Dr. Stuckelberger for his presence. Then, Dr. Stuckelberger began his lecture. 

He began his lecture by appreciating Indian spirituality. He then asked the audience three questions:  

1.    What is my study motivation?

2.    Who do I want to be?

3.    What should people say about me after my death? 

He presented a comparison between integrity leadership and abuse of power leadership. He stated that integrity leadership is characterised by trust, rules & controls, credibility, performance and growth. Whereas abuse of power leadership comprises of mistrust, conflicts, abuse of resources, loyalty etc. He pointed out the importance of transition of thinking from ‘me’ to ‘we’ which will result in better functioning of the system. He established 11 qualities for an ethical culture – dignity, freedom, justice, equity, peace, security, community, inclusiveness, participation, forgiveness and reconciliation. He explained why ethics was important in life and while the price of ethics is sacrifice, the gain of ethics is reputation. He explained the role of ethics in 7 areas of life – money, relations, religion, addictions, leadership, community, and family. 

His lecture was followed by an array of questions from both students as well as faculties in the Q&A session. The session was followed by a classical dance performance by the college dance team. Post this, the Head of the Department, Lt. Akshay D. Mandlik extended vote of thanks to the chief guest and organisers of the programme. The programme concluded at 4 PM