WEBINAR ON CANCER PREVENTION AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BY SWSA

A webinar on ‘Cancer Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle’ was organized by Social Work Students Association (SWSA) in collaboration with Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer (SLBC) on 5^th September 2020. Ms. Florina Singh introduced the resource person, Ms. Sumki Begum to the gathering. At first, the attendees were shown a video about Sanjeevani and how it helps cancer survivors, after which Ms. Seena Kimhoiching of III BSW spoke about SWSA and about SLBC's role in cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle. A prayer song was then sung by Sr. Mary Nisha of II MSW. Ms. Ruby Ahluwalia, Senior Bureaucrat and co-founder of SLBC, addressed the students about the various flagship projects run by the organisation such as the Can Sahyogi, Satori, Can Saarthi, and Can Chetna. The resource person of the session was Ms. Sumki Begum, Senior Programme Coordinator. She highlighted the important aspects of cancer which includes early detection, making a substantial difference in a person’s life diagnosed with cancer, how to reduce the probability of getting cancer; causes of cancer and how one could prevent it by working on some specific factors. The attendees were shown videos which explained how people could work on improving their immunity system. Ms. Sumki also discussed the symptoms and the risk factors of cancer. She talked about how to diagnose cancer in the early stage with a method known as ‘CAUTION’, each letter indicating a particular symptom. With the lack of sleep being one of the risk factors, a video explaining it was shown. After this, the common forms of cancer and the possible changes that can be expected in a person suffering from cancer were highlighted. 

The session also included an online quiz conducted by Mr. Pratik Permey. It was a thrilling game and all the attendees loved it. Following this, there was a question and answer. After all the questions were answered, the winners of the quiz were declared. They were- Athira (1^st  place), Diya (2^nd place) and Thomas and Rayhan (3^rd place).  Following this, Mr. Anil Ahluwalia, cofounder of SLBC, addressed the attendees about the changes in lifestyle that adds to the probability of having cancer, and the role social workers played in spreading awareness. He also talked about the internship opportunities at SLBC. Ms. Sumki then informed the attendees about the digital awareness programmes conducted by SLBC and how it has helped in creating awareness in society. Ms. Seena thanked Ms. Begum for the informative session and also showed a chart summarising the contents of the session. Then, Ms. Viola Noronha, the SWSA coordinator, also appreciated SLBC and Ms. Begum's efforts. Ms. Marryam Jahangir, proposed the vote of thanks and with that the webinar came to an end.

MSW Student Surveys COVID-19 Patients in Hospitals

 

"With the increasing number of covid-19 cases in the city, the lack of facilities has been a major concern, especially for the patients who really can’t afford private treatment. In this context, through the Azim Premji Foundation, I received an eye opening and inspiring opportunity to interview COVID patients, to understand the entire process and their individual experiences in various hospitals in the city. It was easy for me to understand their concerns from a social work perspective as knowledge gained from theory classes as well as from field work experience was put to use. I wish to thank the Department of Social Work for prepping me up for experiences such as this one."-  Rohit Rajiv, (student-18MSW)

Making a Difference in West Bengal

At a time of dual crisis in the state of West Bengal, with the ill effects of both the lockdown and super cyclone 'Amphan', Sanjana Salome Durairaj from III BSW has been reaching out to vulnerable children, daily wage labourers, domestic workers, street dwellers, and even a shelter for the homeless. She has volunteered over the past two months in Kolkata and rural West Bengal in distributing essential rations, hygiene kits, tarpaulin, face masks, stationery kits for children in the rural areas and sanitary napkins, to over 2,000 families, alongside NGOs. One of the noteworthy interventions made was when the student encountered a few children begging on the streets and soon learnt that they were from a deprived community, with a considerable number of people who had taken to begging because of the present scenario. A mask drive was then initiated in this community, during which a need-based assessment was made. Within a week of fundraising, Sanjana and her friends were able to reach out to 155 families in partnership with Stronger Kolkata Initiative. 

"The adversities faced by the marginalised, reinforces the role of a social worker at a time like this. Returning home with a smile, after an entire day of relief work is what a rewarding experience is to me. Every face that beams in gratitude, is my motivation."- Sanjana Salome Durairaj. 

Student Volunteers in Telemedicine in collaboration with the State Government

Four students from the Department of Social Work are currently posted in telemedicine call centres as a part of the Government of Karanataka’s Aapthamitra 14410 helpline to help people affected by Covid 19. The helpline is primarily aimed at providing medical advice to those affected by the virus.  Each of the students have shared their experience of working with the affected through the helpline. It may be noted that this helpline is an initiative of the Department of Ayush of the Government of Karnataka.

“This volunteering experience has been very different compared to the others I have had in the past. It has certainly helped me gain a very useful insight into the current pandemic”- N. Tejhashwin, 17BSW.

“It is my privilege personally and professionally to be blessed with this great opportunity to serve our nation at this time of crisis.” -Harsha V., I7-BSW

“This opportunity to volunteer and stand on the front lines during this devastating pandemic has shaped me in ways I never thought possible”- Arun Kumar, 17-BSW.

“I was a bit nervous when I joined, but eventually realised the great importance of the work being done here. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity”- Arun John Peter, 18-BSW

Volunteering for the Hope Helpline Tele – Counselling Services

The alarming rise of Covid-19 does a great deal of damage to the mental health of individuals. At this period, it is easy for anyone to feel disturbed, isolated, and live in fear. Due to the restrictions of social distancing, direct assistance in this area is not advised, therefore the best possible solution is tele-counselling. The XLRI and alumni from Loyola School initiated the Hope Helpline Callers in Jamshedpur, whose main objective is to support the government by making phone calls to people who are in quarantine. The same service in collaboration with state government has been initiated in Bengaluru, along with volunteers from the Department of Social Work and Department of Psychology, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru.  

A helpline team was formed with all the students of 2^nd MSW and few volunteers from 3^rd BSW, coordinated by Dr. Shari Tess Mathew, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Social Work. On 16^th July 2020, a training session on tele-counselling was organised for students. The trained student volunteers-initiated telephone calls to people who are in quarantine. Their psychosocial needs were assessed and suitable referrals were made. Students took up this task, post their online class hours and made around 120 calls on the first day. In majority of the cases, people were doing well and felt happy to have received such calls. Those individuals who reported difficulties were provided adequate information on how to handle their issues. Currently the project is in its beginning stage, within the next few weeks, based on the assessed needs, the entire batch of 2^nd MSW will be actively involved in this project.

MESSAGE FROM THE COORDINATOR:

“Tele counselling services have gained importance in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. During this lockdown, quarantine and social distancing, tele counselling services provide social workers an opportunity to reach a large number of people who are in need.  I am glad that the students of Social Work department at SJC are a part of this program, and are actively involved in providing need-based psychosocial support during this pandemic.”Dr. Shari Tess Mathew

Dept. of Social Work.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT VOLUNTEERS:

“The feeling of not being able to contribute as a social worker is dreadful, and getting an opportunity such as this is really a gift. Being able to coordinate and make calls to people to ensure their wellbeing is truly a different and enriching experience.” Roopika Nair, 2^nd MSW.

“This was one of the most amazing experiences that led to a lot  of learning in a matter of few hours. Thanks for the opportunity” Nadiya P, 2^nd MSW

“Tele - counselling is a great way to reach out to people during such a crisis. It provides necessary assistance and support to people and I feel privileged to be a part of it. It makes me happy to know that I'm one call away for many out there in need.” Kezia Nikita, 2^nd MSW

“My first experience of tele counselling was an amazing one. Being a social worker, specialising in medical and psychiatry and choosing a career in it, I think this has helped me a lot in embracing the emerging trends in this field. I am glad that I choose to do this and in the end, all that matters is the self-satisfaction that I get from doing this. I thank the department for giving me this opportunity and helping me grow.” Monica John, 2^nd MSW

“It was a really nice and new experience. I want to give my sincere gratitude to my college and Hope Helpline Callers for providing me with this opportunity. I am eagerly waiting to call many more people and provide them with the support and joy of this world.” Anju Maria, 2^nd MSW

“The experience was really good as it was my first time doing such work. The people responded pretty well and 2 people spoke for a longer duration and shared their experience after they tested positive. I was really happy to contribute by talking to people. I am looking forward to working and giving my best in this process.” Ashwini Umesh, 2^nd MSW 

SWSA Valedictory- 2020

With the online platform being the new normal, the Social Work Students Association (SWSA) 2019-20 headed by the co-ordinator Ms. Viola Noronha, conducted its first online valedictory via Google Meet on the 30th of May 2020. The programmes of the association throughout the year were conducted by the core committee; Brandon Chettri (President), Mridula T (Vice President), Sharifa Behzad (Treasurer), Roopika R Nair (General Secretary), Renu Philips (Cultural secretary), Abhirami Menon (Program coordinator), Marryam Jahangir (Program coordinator), under the guidance of the coordinator. The valedictory was conducted to appreciate the efforts of the team who were the driving force for the working of SWSA and to thank the teachers and students who had been a constant support throughout the academic year.

The report which included the activities and events conducted during the year 2019-20 was read out by the General Secretary of SWSA. It was preceded by the co-ordinator’s speech. The announcement of  the winners of the awards pertaining to the graduating batches was done to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of the students of the department. Also, the best class award was a no brainer- it was bagged by the Ist MSW for their notable work as a class.

The faculty members of the department who are the true mentors of the students, spoke a few inspiring words for the graduating batches after which a video made by other classes was played, wishing them good luck and a bright future. Overall, it was a memorable evening as the entire department had gathered together for the valedictory. It went on successfully with the help and support of the teachers and the students of the Department of Social Work.

Helping the Helpless during Lockdown

At this juncture, when the world is at a standstill, the Department of Social Work has out done itself, with students of both MSW and BSW, along faculty members spending about two months in ensuring that food and necessary kits were provided to the marginalised, the daily wage workers, as well as the migrants in Bengaluru city. The student volunteers of the Department under the leadership of the Head of the Department, Lt. Akshay D Mandlik and Dr. Fr. Augustine Lourdu, Assistant Professor, in collaboration with the college and COVID Relief Bangalore, were able to distribute a whopping 85,000 kits to those in need in around Bengaluru. Furthermore, the Department created a biker relief team for this purpose as well.

"As the Head of the Department, I am happy to inform that during this global crisis, the students were able to provide selfless services when it mattered the most. It was a satisfying experience to be a part of it all"- Lt. Akshay D. Mandlik, Head of the Department.

"As a volunteer, I felt the human touch of compassion to see people willing to help out. The pandemic has brought out the deepest fears as well as the best of humanity. In fact, COVID-19 has taught a lesson to humanity on how to be human."- Dr. Fr. Augustine Lourdu, Assistant Professor.

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going." I"personally feel that to come together at such times of hardships for our fellow brothers and sisters in need, is what humanity is all about".
-Rohit Rajiv, IInd MSW

"Getting to work as a volunteer for society is a responsible task and an honor. Whatever I have, is from this land, so I think it's my moral obligation to give back to society."
-Pankaj Lakhi Pradhan, II MSW

"The experience gained out of this relief activity will make me stronger as a person and will continue to motivate me to work for the people."
-N Tejhashwin, IIIrd BSW

"Helping the marginalised and vulnerable people in society during this time of hardship and working directly in the field with different types of communities along with the mentor helped me apply theory into practice."
-S. Arun Kumar, IIIrd BSW

"Being able to support the people in this unfortunate situation, even in a small way, provides great satisfaction. As a social work student, I think that experiencing the harsh reality and working for the people, is what we study social work for."
-L Hriizhiikho Mao, IInd MSW

"To be a part of such an effort has really helped me understand the harsh realities of the society we live in and its prevailing conditions. It has been a great learning process."

-Khushveer Singh IInd BSW

"We are here to combat fears by helping our dears during such crisis! Such an opportunity to serve was incredible." 

-Suraj SK, IInd BSW

"No one is useless in this world. Everyone can lighten the burden of others."
-Pranish PB, IInd BSW