IASSW initially set up the Disaster Intervention, Climate Change, and Sustainability Committee in 2010, following the failure of the UNFCCC COP meeting in Copenhagen in 2009. Its aim was to prepare policies, materials and inputs into the United Nations’ discussions on climate change and other disasters.
Now, it has contributed to understanding and addressing the impact of COVID-19, the novel corona virus that has spread to 180 countries across the world endangering lives and economic development. For this new crisis, the Committee would like to hear from you and learn how you have contributed to dealing with the crisis in your school, community and family. Please contact the Committee Chair, Lena Dominelli by email at lena.dominelli@stir.ac.uk Social distancing can still include communicating with and sharing our stories with one another. The human spirit, kindness, compassion and solidarity will defeat the corona virus! Social workers have these characteristics in abundance. Let us share this optimistic message with those we encounter virtually or otherwise.
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Experience of Thandiwe Mathobela from South Africa Thandiwe Mathobela Nelson Mandela University, South Africa “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” _Nelson Mandela_ My name is Thandiwe Mathobela from South Africa. I’m originally from Mpumalanga in a small town called KaBokweni. I’m a student at Nelson Mandela university…
Reorganising social work field placement: The experience of University Milano Bicocca Francesca Maci Social work field placement Lecturer, Milano Bicocca University The coronavirus lockdown had a strong impact on social work education in universities. Critically, it called for a rethink of the field placement, an integral part of any social work program as it teaches…
Volunteering and social work: Experience of volunteering online with United Nations Volunteers India for COVID19 campaign Piyush Poddar and Ayush Poddar, Department of social work, University of Delhi. Email- poddar306@gmail.com Volunteering as a basis for the formation of social work Social work originated as a voluntary activity, as inferred from Allice Cheyney’s definition of…
Covid-19: What if you get sick? Advice on how to plan for it IASSW Board Member and Professor Shahana Rasool, at the Department of Social Work at the University of Johannesburg, says “If you live alone or are single mother, here are some tips to help you put some plans in place in case you…
Analysing the ‘social’ during Covid-19 Pamela Singla, Professor of Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of Delhi, India. Email: pamelasingla@gmail.com This narrative considers the newer social aspects of this pandemic and discusses certain critical aspects relevant for social workers and policy makers. It looks beyond numbers and othering to understand the changing face of…
COVID-19: Impact among the Forest Dwelling (sedentary and pastoral) Communities Prashant Anand, Email: anandprashant@gmail.com, Samanta Foundation Practitioner, Website: www.samanta.org.in A young Van Gujjar man tests COVID positive so his family including his 6 month daughter, wife and family were quarantined. Vineeta ( fictitious name) a mother to 3 children from the Taungya community, aged 28…
Working during Covid-19: Notes from Scotland By Keith Sutherland, social work student, University of Stirling I am Keith, currently a student in my second year of a Social Work Masters course, based in Stirling, Scotland. I also work part time as a Social Work Assistant in a frontline Children and Families Social Work Team.…
Managing your lifestyle during the COVID 19 lockdown Rashmi Pandey Executive Office-International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting an extraordinary experience for all of us. This includes lockdown, a rough time coping with the challenges brought on by abrupt changes in lifestyle. For me there is NO big…
Living in COVID times: from the diary of a social work faculty Pamela Singla It’s nearing two months since life has taken a different turn – filled with lockdown announcements; newer forms of vulnerability; new vocabulary through coloured zones, social and physical distancing and the latest webinars. Social work is a differently profiled profession and…
Social work in a SW England NGO during lockdown Prepared by Natalie Pethick I qualified as a social worker last September and got a job at START where I completed my final placement. This NGO in the south west of the UK supports refugees to access their rights and provides student placements for social…