Observation: Reflecting on International Social Work and my experiences abroad in Kenya and India.
Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Bangalore, Indian and this past summer I was blessed to go on a trip to Kenya and see many different areas of Kenya. Both of these trips were mission trips, but I was fortunate enough to learn so much about the people and culture of these places.
A lot of my values in social work also coincide with my personal values that derive from my Christian faith. As a follower of the gospel, we believe in the redemption of mankind, the forgiveness of all, unconditional love for all, caring for the orphans, widowed, hungry, the mute, and oppressed. We do this because we ourselves have received mercy and grace for things that we do not deserve from a higher power and in turn want to give to others the way we have been given. These values come from what we learn about Jesus Christs life and what the Bible teaches us about God's heart for his people especially the oppressed.
Of course it is necessary to separate the two Faith and Social Work in situations when working with different populations of people, but nonetheless the values both bring to the table are the same -- the dignity and worth of each and every person.
Being at the University of Texas's School of Social Work I often wonder what exactly International Social Work is. Even as a senior the idea of social work is sometimes hard to explain to people since it is so broad and general. A lot of what we learn focuses on the micro aspect of social work and it's hard for me to see the praxis in International and Macro social work.
From my experiences and understanding of what social work looks like in these impoverished communities of the world, it seems SO SIMPLE. From my observations, you're practically a social worker if simply care for change and for others. I have seen so many beautiful people running orphanages, health clinics, homes for the destitute and free trade programs/ micro fiance programs that directly impact members of the community and people in need. Its run with people who have the heart to care about these people, who put everything they have on the line for their clients, and their heart and soul into every interaction they have with the people they work with.
I cannot help but wonder how these organizations continue to operate and manage themselves. Its such a different world of social work when I compare it to the bureaucracy, red tape, board of directors/admins etc that happen here in the U.S.. They both are doing such great things, but it fascinates me how these 1 person staffed tin shack agencies can operate and become a beacon of hope in a den of darkness that follows the face of poverty.
I thought I would post some pictures that my fellow teammates have taken on these two trips that share what I was fortunate to learn about from the people we made relationships with and got to know. ** I remember in the first weeks of class when Prof. Rhodes had us watch a Ted talk about 3 stories of people who were symbols of hope in their community. One was in Mathare Valley, Kenya. I was able to visit and learn about that very slum and some of the people who are working to allieviate poverty in that exact slum which was mind blowing to me.
Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Bangalore, Indian and this past summer I was blessed to go on a trip to Kenya and see many different areas of Kenya. Both of these trips were mission trips, but I was fortunate enough to learn so much about the people and culture of these places.
A lot of my values in social work also coincide with my personal values that derive from my Christian faith. As a follower of the gospel, we believe in the redemption of mankind, the forgiveness of all, unconditional love for all, caring for the orphans, widowed, hungry, the mute, and oppressed. We do this because we ourselves have received mercy and grace for things that we do not deserve from a higher power and in turn want to give to others the way we have been given. These values come from what we learn about Jesus Christs life and what the Bible teaches us about God's heart for his people especially the oppressed.
Of course it is necessary to separate the two Faith and Social Work in situations when working with different populations of people, but nonetheless the values both bring to the table are the same -- the dignity and worth of each and every person.
Being at the University of Texas's School of Social Work I often wonder what exactly International Social Work is. Even as a senior the idea of social work is sometimes hard to explain to people since it is so broad and general. A lot of what we learn focuses on the micro aspect of social work and it's hard for me to see the praxis in International and Macro social work.
From my experiences and understanding of what social work looks like in these impoverished communities of the world, it seems SO SIMPLE. From my observations, you're practically a social worker if simply care for change and for others. I have seen so many beautiful people running orphanages, health clinics, homes for the destitute and free trade programs/ micro fiance programs that directly impact members of the community and people in need. Its run with people who have the heart to care about these people, who put everything they have on the line for their clients, and their heart and soul into every interaction they have with the people they work with.
I cannot help but wonder how these organizations continue to operate and manage themselves. Its such a different world of social work when I compare it to the bureaucracy, red tape, board of directors/admins etc that happen here in the U.S.. They both are doing such great things, but it fascinates me how these 1 person staffed tin shack agencies can operate and become a beacon of hope in a den of darkness that follows the face of poverty.
I thought I would post some pictures that my fellow teammates have taken on these two trips that share what I was fortunate to learn about from the people we made relationships with and got to know. ** I remember in the first weeks of class when Prof. Rhodes had us watch a Ted talk about 3 stories of people who were symbols of hope in their community. One was in Mathare Valley, Kenya. I was able to visit and learn about that very slum and some of the people who are working to allieviate poverty in that exact slum which was mind blowing to me.
I think its really awesome that you're questioning yet still incorporating the various aspects of religion and personal beliefs into your social work profession.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting your experiences. I too know that my faith coincides with social work principles and am always encouraged when I see those 1 person run tin shack agencies. It just goes to show you that one person can make a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful post! Wow, you have had some amazing experiences. it will be amazing how they will guide you in your service and your work. Good luck, my friend!
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