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DIMAPUR — The Department of Social Work, St. Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima, organised rural camps for Bachelor of Social Work (third semester) and Master of Arts in Rural Development (third semester) students at Sewanu village, Tseminyu district and Phughi village, Phek district from July 13 to the 20th.
The rural camps were conducted with the objective to provide insights into rural life and activities, to support in the career development of the students, the college stated in an update.
The 21 Bachelor of Social Work students were led by assistant professors Cihile Kath and Dr. Janet Gonmei.
The students conducted various activities during the one-week camping such as awareness on “Good touch and bad touch” with the primary school students, transect walk, socio-economic survey, career guidance programme for high school students, street plays on drug abuse and bullying, tree plantation and cleanliness drive, awareness on skill development programmes, agricultural field visit, PRA (resource mapping), charitable work for the old aged, awareness on linking agricultural markets, and cultural exchange programme.
Additionally, students of Master of Arts in Rural Development students emphasised on the theme ‘Harmony with nature: building a sustainable future’
A total of 44 students, accompanied by the class in charge Kezhakhoto Chalieu and Yashienla Longkumer, assistant professor, participated in the camp.
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The students engaged in various activities and awareness programmes, including a tree plantation and a cleanliness drive. In observance of World Skills Day, the students conducted a skills training programme themed ‘Youth skills for peace and development,’ demonstrating mushroom cultivation and paper bag making to the village youth.
The students also organised an awareness programme and sports activities on the theme ‘Empowering the young minds.’ They also conducted a sanitation programme focused on ‘Individual health and community well-being,’ during which sanitary napkins were distributed to the village women.
A comprehensive survey on the socio-economic, health, and educational status of Phughi village was conducted, along with a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) by students.
Further, an outing with the villagers was organised to explore nature, and a cultural night programme on the final day highlighted the rich Naga culture.
“The rural camps aimed to provide students with practical skills, and experience in rural living and develop the skills of collaborating and working with the community in carrying out activities to address various socio-economic and environmental issues, and to apply the social work principles, values, ethics, and theoretical concepts in practice,” it stated.
The rural camps provided a valuable learning experience for the students, helping them to gain practical skills while contributing to the development and well-being of the rural community, it added.