SJU students take part in rural camp

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 7 (MExN): The Department of Social Work, St Joseph University, Chümoukedima organised a rural camp for Master of Rural Development and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students at Old Poilwa Village, Peren and Thuvopisumi Village, Phek from July 29 to August 5. 

Eighty two students along with four faculties took part in the camp. The main aim of the camp was to provide an opportunity to the students to gain practical skills and get experience of rural life. During the camp, students were assigned with various tasks such as skill development training, interaction with the community and activities with school students of the village.   

During the one week camp, a household survey was conducted on socio-economic, health and education status of the village. The survey was carried out in order to train the students of Social Work to understand the importance of survey in Social Work profession. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was conducted to make the Social Work students to understand the problem, landscape and resources of the village. 

The students carried out transact walk, social mapping, resource mapping and seasonal mapping in the village. The BSW students also carried out sanitation drive along with the village youths, while the MA RD students carried out tree plantation drive. The students also experienced farming practices in the terrace and jhum fields. The students also organised paper bag making session and mental health awareness program among the Middle and High School students respectively. 

There were also cultural exchange programme among the students and the village community.  The rural camp provided opportunity to the students to gain huge experience and learn how to apply social work principle, values, ethics and theoretical concept in practical.