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.