The fifth edition of Kerala Social Work Congress was held online on 18-20 Dec 2020. The theme of the conference was ‘Ubuntu-Strengthening Social Solidarity and Global Connectedness’. Global agenda of Social work during 2020-30 was based on ‘Importance of Human Relationship’. International
Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the co-partners have set the global agenda framework for Social Work and Social development for the year 2020-30 as´Co-building Inclusive Social Transformation´. The theme selected for the year 2020-22 based on the global agenda is ‘Ubuntu-Strengthening Social Solidarity and Global Connectedness’. KAPS has chosen the same theme for deliberation in the conference.
Guided by ethical principles, social workers and other social development practitioners have the responsibility to connect people, communities and systems to developing sustainable communities and inclusive social transformation.
Mr.Rory Truel, Secretary General, IFSW has inaugurated the programme online. Mrs. Lida jacob, President KAPS presided over the meeting. Dr.Jacob Rugare Mugumbate (University of Wollongong, Australia) made the key note address on the theme. The word Ubuntu has its origin in Africa.
Prof. Ghandidoss (President, INPSWA-India Network of Professional Social Workers’ Associations) has given special message during the occassion. Ms. Noorjhahan (KAPS Governing body member) welcomed the gathering. Dr.Ipe Varughese (General Secretary, KAPS) gave introductory remarks. Mr.Cyril Alexander, President, PSWA, Dr.Rajiv S P, General Secretary, ASSK, Ms.Mini.AP, SWOTA, Dr.Jobin Tom, APSWP (Kerala Ch.) and Ms.Akhila V, R President, SW Students’ Assn. shared felicitation messages. Mr. Abdul Rahiman (Vice President, KAPS North Central region) shared vote of thanks.
Sub themes of the Conference:
The conference had following sub themes.
– Social Work services in Indian Context
– Social Work for improving Human Relations & Social Solidarity
– Social Work services during COVID 19 – Social Work for Solving Social Problems
– Social Work for addressing Human Rights Issues
– Online learning in Social Work: Prospects and Challenges
– Field Practicum during COVID pandemic
– Social Work services for Social Change
– Professional Associations for Profession’ Development
– Social Work services for Community health
Input Sessions
After the inaugural programme, the second input session on 19 Dec 2020 (for felicitating best achievers) was taken by Mr.Harikishore IAS. Mr. Sriganesh M V (Secretary General, IFSW Asia Pacific Region) and Fr.Dr. Joseph M.K (Head, Dept. of Social Work Rajagiri College of Social Sciences Ernakulam) were the chief guests in the meeting.
Input session on ‘Integrating Structural Social Work in Social Work in Indian context’ was by Dr.Baiju Pallicka Vareed, Mac Evan University, Edmonton, Canada.
Dr.Cherian P Kurien (Marian College, Kuttikkanam & Vice president INPSWA) inaugurated the session.
Mr. Akhil Soman shared the new experience in agriculture.
The third session was on 19 Dec 2020. Mr. Jojo (Secretary KAPS Ernakulam Ch.) welcomed the gathering and Fr.Joy James inaugurated the session. Mr. Bineesh Kappan took a session
on ‘Child abuse-Remedial measures and rehabilitation practices in UK’ . The programme was in association with Southend On Sea borough council, Essex, UK . Mr.Arshil. P.C moderated this session.
In the valedictory session, Prof.Devi Prasad (former Professor TISS Mumbai and Member Working Committee for campaign on Naional Council for Social Work education gave an input session on ‘some misconceptions on draft bill on ‘National Council for Social Work education’
Input session on ‘Integrating Structural Social Work in Social Work in India was by Fr.Dr.Prasanth Palakkappillil (former President KAPS and Principal SH college, Thevara, Ernakulam) and Dr. Dhanasekhra Pandyan ( Head, Dept. of Psychiatrc Social Work, NIMHANS, Bangalore) has given messages in the occassion.
Four sessions of paper presentations were conducted in the conference. 20 papers were presented in the conference. The following people had moderated different sessions of paper presentations.
Session 1: Dr.Sanjay Bhattacharya, World Vision, India
Dr.C.P Mathew ISSW, Indore,
session 2: Dr.Abhiya Mary George, NIMHANS
Mr.Shuaib Muhammed RV, WMO College, Muttil, Wayanad
Session 3: Dr.Poornima P S, St.Joseph’s college, Devagiri, Kozhikode
Mr.Arun K. Gems Arts & Science college, Malappuram
Session 4: Dr.Jonas Richard, Kristujayanti college, Bangalore
Ms.Cicily Joseph, St.Joseph’s college, Pilathara, Kannur
A meeting was conducted to appreciate all the toppers of universities and autonomous colleges in Kerala in MSW 2017-19 batch. All the toppers have joined in the online meeting. Fr.Dr. M.K Joseph, Head Dept. of
Social Work Rajagiri college of Social Sciences, Mr. Harikishore IAS and Mr. Sriganesh (Secretary General, INPSWA). were the chief guests of the programme.
