Rashmi Paudel
MPhil-PhD scholar in Social Work
Program Head at NSRC
Every community is made up of a network of people who are ready to change the world and who have acquired the information and skills necessary via their educational path. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students are among these ambitious social transformers; their viewpoints provide insight into how social work education is developing in Nepal. We explore their goals, difficulties, and motivations with a structured questionnaire, providing insights into the real-world aspects of their academic pursuits.
Many students’ journey towards social work education starts with the kind support of friends, family, or internet resources. These people are drawn to the BSW program by the curriculum’s inherent promise of practicality, which they perceive as a doorway to experiential learning where academic concepts meet practical applications.
Practical Aims of the student to choose the subject
Students have high expectations for their BSW journey that go well beyond traditional academic boundaries. Their desire is for real-world knowledge that goes beyond textbooks and lecture halls; they see a curriculum that emphasizes advocacy, case management, counseling, and communication. It is evidence of their willingness to deal directly with practical issues and provide themselves with the means to bring about significant change in their communities.
Students sometimes struggle to reconcile the gap between the theoretical knowledge they are being taught and the real-world experiences of Nepalese culture within the complex structure of social work education. They claim that a more sophisticated approach—one that closes the gap between academics and lived experiences—is necessary due to the complexity of society structures and processes. It’s a request for curricular improvement that places a focus on contextual relevance and application in the community.
Destination: Abroad, Counseling Jobs, and Beyond
When their BSW journey comes to an end, students choose different paths to their desired futures. Majority members of the batch indicate a desire to seek opportunities overseas, while others aim to work in counseling-related professions in Nepal. It’s interesting to note that very few have plans to pursue higher education through Master of Social Work (MSW) programs or work for non-governmental organizations. It emphasizes the various career routes in the field of social work, each of which speaks to a person’s particular goals.
Camp Practical: Challenges and Reflections
Within the BSW program, the inclusion of practical experiences, notably camps, serves as a pivotal cornerstone in students’ experiential learning journey. While some view camps as an essential part of learning, others perceive them as a blend of work and relaxation, or even primarily as a vacation. However, amidst the hands-on experiences, the challenges they face—time management, motivation, and adaptation to new environments—that test the resilience and adaptability of students. However, it is because of these difficulties that individuals learn priceless lessons, strengthening their commitment to bring about change and improving their abilities.
A Call for Enrichment: Suggestions for Improvement
Students’ observations on their journey through the BSW program not only point out areas that should be improved, but they also push for more extensive structural reforms that would improve the teaching environment. Their main concerns are about the necessity of guardianship and support from Tribhuvan University and colleges in order to expedite the academic calendar and guarantee timely results—a crucial component that is essential for both academic continuity and student enthusiasm.
In addition, students indicate a strong desire for better employment opportunities after completing their BSW coursework. From the bachelor’s degree on, they look for chances to put their newly acquired knowledge and abilities to use, stressing the value of include real-world experiences and career paths in the curriculum. In the spirit of continuous improvement, students offer insightful suggestions to enhance the camp work experience within their BSW program. From fostering a more structured approach to providing mentorship and support, their recommendations underscore the importance of creating environments conducive to holistic learning and growth.
Furthermore, even though many students are excited about the possibility of exploring possibilities overseas, there is a noticeable lack of confidence about applying their social work degree in foreign settings. They are in need of direction and tools that show them how to best utilize their abilities and credentials internationally, which emphasizes the value of the program’s extensive career counseling and international networking opportunities.
Essentially, these recommendations serve as a clear call to action for cooperation, representing the hopes and worries of BSW students while also strengthening the educational foundation, creating job opportunities, and equipping students to confidently and purposefully navigate the constantly changing field of social work. As the voices of BSW students echo through these insights, a narrative of purpose and possibility emerges—a narrative that celebrates the convergence of passion, practicality, and perseverance. In their quest to transform communities and touch lives, these students embody the spirit of social work, embracing challenges as opportunities and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Towards the end, we witness a group of BSW students who are devoted to changing the world. They have the system as a whole in mind in addition to their individual achievement. Their recommendations for enhancements demonstrate their dedication to improving education for all students. Their journey continues here, as they continue to advocate for policies that will better the lives of upcoming pupils. Through their proposals for improving procedures and expanding employment prospects, they are influencing a future in which social work education will have even more influence. As we bid these revelations farewell, let us never forget the strength of collaboration. We can build a society where everyone has the opportunity to prosper and change the world if we work together and are determined to do so.