Students of the Department of Social Work, St Joseph University, outside Alaphumi Baptist Church during their Rural Camp at Alaphumi village, Zunheboto district, held from July 11 to 18. (Photo Courtesy: SJU)
DIMAPUR, JULY 21 (MExN): The Department of Social Work, St Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima, conducted a Rural Camp for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) third-semester students at Alaphumi village in Zunheboto district from July 11 to 18.
Held under the theme, ‘Campus to Community: From Notes to Nurture,’ the eight-day camp was aimed at providing students practical exposure to rural life, community needs and participatory approaches to development, according to a press release.
The camp began with a meeting involving the village chairman, community leaders, faculty members and students, during which the objectives and schedule of the programme were outlined.
As part of the camp, the students conducted a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise with the involvement of villagers. Social and resource maps, along with a seasonal diagram, were prepared to document household distribution, educational institutions, community facilities, agricultural land, forests, water sources and public infrastructure.
The seasonal exercise also covered agricultural practices, climatic conditions, disease patterns, employment opportunities and livelihood activities across different periods of the year.
A socio-economic and health survey was also conducted through household visits. Information was collected on family composition, occupation, income sources, education, sanitation, drinking water facilities, access to healthcare and common health concerns. The exercise was intended to provide students with an understanding of the socio-economic and living conditions in the village while generating baseline information.
Other activities included a street play on substance abuse, highlighting the effects of alcohol and drug addiction on individuals, families and communities, as well as the role of family and community support in prevention.
The students also conducted skill-development activities for school-going children, including crochet training and interactive sessions on communication, leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.
A cleanliness drive was undertaken in collaboration with villagers, covering public spaces, roadsides and community surroundings. The activity also sought to create awareness about waste management, sanitation and environmental hygiene.
The camp concluded with a cultural exchange programme featuring traditional songs, dances, music and other performances by students and villagers.
According to the department, the camp provided the students an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a community setting while gaining practical exposure to participatory rural assessment, surveys, community mobilisation and social awareness activities.
