Ten students pursuing Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) along with two faculty members (Prof. Virendra Balaji Shahare and Dr. Lalhmingmawii Gangte) attended a 12 days’ academic exchange programme at the University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule), Erfurt, Germany from 1st to 12th June, 2023. The programme included seminars, workshops, visits to different non-profit organizations engaged in the areas of child rights, disability, refugees, migrant population, gender, and elderly population.
The exchange funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) added another leaf in the two-decade partnership between JMI and Fachhochschule. The entire programme was curated by Prof. Christine Rehklau and Dr. Amrita Mondal from University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt. The current visit by the Indian team was preceded by a visit by the German counterpart in February-March 2023.
The exchange programme facilitated networking opportunities for the students with German social work professionals, researchers, and policymakers as well as those from Israel, Slovenia, Italy, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Poland.
German social work practice places a significant emphasis on preventive measures and early interventions to address social challenges proactively. Social work practitioners in India can employ this important aspect of identifying and addressing issues at an early stage to minimize the long-term impact on individuals and communities. This knowledge will encourage budding social workers to advocate for similar approaches within the Indian social work framework.
During the stay the student and faculty members participated in an international social work conference from 8th June to 10th June, 2023. The final year students of M.A. Social Work presented their dissertation research in the pre-conference sessions. Prof. Virendra Balaji Shahare and Dr. Lalhmingmawii conducted workshops on Marginalized Groups in India and Mental Health among young persons. The international conference covered a diverse range of topics relevant to the field of Social Work, including social action, marginalized groups, social justice, mental health, social work start-ups and queer social work. These sessions provided a platform for students to share their research, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into different approaches to addressing social issues across the globe. Students were exposed to diverse perspectives, teaching methodologies, and research practices, enabling them to broaden their academic outlook and personal growth.
Recognizing the importance of cultural immersion, the programme also included activities that promoted understanding of Indian and German cultures. Students and faculty members got the opportunity to participate in cultural events, and community engagements, visiting the historical monuments and holocaust memorial, enabling them to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding for each other's traditions and ways of life and the historical development.
The exchange programme encouraged students to collaborate and exchange ideas on innovative approaches to social work practice. Participants had the opportunity to engage in joint projects and workshops, leveraging their diverse perspectives and experiences. The exchange highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for community-based interventions to create sustainable change in social work practice.
This academic exchange programme created a platform for students and faculty members to learn from each other, foster lifelong friendships, and contribute to the advancement of social work practice on an international scale. The learnings and experiences gained by the students during the exchange programme will have a tangible impact on social work practice in India as they have returned with a renewed perspective, innovative ideas, and a commitment to implementing the knowledge gained to improve the lives of individuals and communities in their home country. The programme serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration and cultural exchange in shaping the future of the social work profession.
Click Here for More Exams / Admission