MoU signed with Planet Hope Foundation, Rotterdam, Netherlands

On the 15^thof October, 2019, there was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Planet Hope Foundation, Rotterdam, Netherlands and the Department of Social Work, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, India. Thirteen delegates from Netherlands, the Registrar of the college, Dr.Melwin Colaco, and the faculty members of the Department of Social Work met at3: 00 PM in the Auditorium Block of the college. The main objective of the gathering was the singing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties. Specifically, the MoU was being signed to express the willingness of both the parties in promoting collaborations in the spirit of institutional friendships and cultural, educational and scientific cooperation. The Head of the Department, Lt. Akshay D Mandlik, made the opening remarks and encouraged everyone to introduce themselves which was obliged. This was followed by a brief overview and description of the history of the college and the Department by Prof. D. Kiran Jeevan, PRO of the college and Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work. This was followed by a discussion between both parties about how to promote secularism among the students in Netherlands. The delegates wanted to know how it was done in India and in the college in particular. The members of the Department explained about the various programmes being organsied by the college to promote inter-religious harmony including the HRD classes. The delegates stated their desire to adopt many such efforts of the college and apply them in the Netherlands as well.  The discussion ended with an explanation of the purpose of the MoU by Dr. Alan Godfrey, Assistant Professor and PG Coordinator, Department of Social Work, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru. He stated that there were three major areas of collaboration proposed as part of the MoU, they were- faculty exchange, academic, and research collaboration between both parties. This was followed by the singing of the MoU by representatives of both parties followed by a vote of thanks by Dr. Godfrey and a group photograph which brought the meeting to a fruitful conclusion.

Orientation - Smileys India

An orientation on the organisation- “Smileys India” was organised by Department of Social Work, St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Bengaluru for the 1^st year MSW students. The session began at 2 PM, on 27^th September, 2019. Dr. Godfrey, the PG co-coordinator introduced the resource person. The session was conducted by Ms. Vidushi from Simileys India.  Smileys India was started in the year 2011 by Mr.Vishnu Soman. The goal of Smileys is to bringing people's passion in action to help others and make a positive world through volunteering. 

The aim is to take art, culture, sports, and technology to the lesser privileged sections of society and help them explore and understand their passion. Smileys India believe that everyone in society needs help in exploring their passion; and try to match their passion with the tasks they perform in the organisation. The programmes are recycling and waste management workshop, making photography, distribution of toys to kids of the underprivileged in slums; and also in government schools, sign language movement for knowing deaf neighbour, street art movement, dance festival etc. The orientation session ended at 3 PM.

                        

Orientation Visit to Diya Foundation

A one-day observation visit to “Diya Foundation” was organised by the Department of Social Work, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, for the 1^st year MSW students. The orientation began at 10 AM with an introduction on  how difficult it is to cope with being differently abled. The session was handled by the founder of Diya Foundation, Mrs. Maria S Santamaria. After giving her insight about the organisation, the trainees toured around the organisation and visited the candle making, chocolate making and earring making units.

The session was  very  effective in conveying the idea of the organisation. The trainees were able to know much more about the functioning of the organisation through the visit. Ms. Santamaria  shared some of her experiences in moulding differently abled individuals through education, training, and employment.