” My experience as a student has enabled me to explore social work both the theoretical and practical aspects of it being an academic discipline and a practice-based profession.”
1. Can you share your journey into social work and what initially motivated you to pursue this path in Australia?
My journey into social work began with a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Growing up in Kenya, I witnessed firsthand the profound effects of social challenges such as poverty that has led to poor infrastructure, inequality, and the limited access to resources. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of justice and compassion. When I moved to Australia to study, I was exposed to new dimensions of social issues. particularly how they intersect with race, disability, migration, and mental health. I was privileged to pursue a certificate course in both Individual support and Disability. These qualifications enabled me to work with people living with Disability and the elderly. It became clear to me that social issues are not confined to specific geographical location but are global in nature. This reinforced my commitment to advance my career to be a social worker so as be able to contribute both locally and globally.
2. How has your experience as a student shaped your understanding of the challenges and possibilities within the social work profession?
My experience as a student has enabled me to explore social work both the theoretical and practical aspects of it being an academic discipline and a practice-based profession. My perspective also while studying social work has changed significantly both personally and professionally. It has opened my eyes to the possibilities of the social work profession through the exposure to different inspiring models in the career such as trauma-informed care, strength-based practice, and community development that empower rather than stigmatise. I have learned that social work is multifaceted and can be very complicated but is an incredibly promising profession. I have also learned that social workers deal with a variety of challenges such as structural issues that may neglect the actual needs in the society and of marginalised population, cultural misunderstanding and underrepresentation in service delivery, particularly in multicultural settings like Australia. These issues can put pressure on the workforce leading to exhaustion and client disempowerment. These has reinforced my desire to successfully undertake the career and be part of the social work profession that will impact change for a better society.
3. What inspired you to take on an advocacy role beyond the classroom, and what issues are you most passionate about?
During my academic journey at IHM, I have been privileged to be a student representative for the last 3 years and as a Deputy Chair for the last 1 year. In this role, I have been passionate about representing the student body and contributing to the Institution. As Deputy Chair, I work closely with the student leadership team to ensure student voices are heard and valued. As a student representative, I am committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment for all students and providing a link between students and the management. It has been an exciting journey to be part of the institution growth and development and most importantly in ensuring a conducive learning environment for all the students.
4. In your view, what are the most pressing challenges facing future social workers in Australia today?
The environment in which social workers in the context of Australia today may be a little bit complex than before due to current pressing and increasing issues in the society such as continued effects of colonisation on the Indigenous communities, homelessness, the mental health crises that seem to be on the rise, systemic inequality, and the effects of climate change on communities. These issues will require ethical consideration, cultural humility, and a dedication to social justice and equality. It will also require social worker’s resilient and resourcefulness in order to navigate government policy changes and financial limitations which are part of the challenges facing social workers in the profession.
5. Can you describe an experience where you felt your voice or advocacy efforts made a tangible difference?
One instant I can recall is when students particular in my class made a request to change the way a particular lecture was being presented, with the possibility also of changing the lecturer. My advocacy role made an impact, and the student’s request was responded to within a short timeframe. This small victory reinforced the importance of speaking up and advocating for change. It also resulted in a more inclusive teaching methods and assessment rubrics which was part of the issues raised by students.
6. How important is it for social work students to be involved in shaping policy, practice, or public perception—and how can they start?
Social workers participate in various social settings in the society, providing the necessary advocacy services and required change. It is crucial to include them in the process of policy making. This will help social workers build confidence and understanding of the system, enhance inclusivity as well as foster networking. Their understanding of the systems will help demystify the negative perception that has been labelled against social workers by the public. Students can start by volunteering in the community, support student organisations, join advocacy groups, or take part in research work in order to have a greater exposure to new knowledge and experience in the practical field.
7. What support systems or opportunities have helped you grow as both a student and an emerging advocate?
My Growth and development have greatly been influenced by being in the leadership role, as well as the encouragement from fellow students, and mentorship from lecturers. My leadership role gave me a platform to collaborate between students and the administration providing a link and a safe space for students who would want their issues resolved. The role also gave me an opportunity to enhance my communication skills and build networks withing the institution and to understand that advocacy work can begin right from classroom. Having participated in student governance council provided an opportunity to gain insight into how an organisation function and how internal change can be realized.
8. Finally, what message would you share with your peers who are also aspiring to make an impact in the field of social work?
In conclusion, social work as a profession is driven by values such as social justice, human rights, cultural humility, empathy and accountability. Embarking on this career requires critical involvement, courage, and compassion. The magnitude of the societal problems such as structural inequality, intergenerational trauma, and growing mental health concerns can be overwhelming especially to social work professionals who are seen as the advocates in the field. However, these difficulties also present an opportunity to contribute to the solutions, to consistently stand out for justice, and advocate for the marginalised and the vulnerable in the society.6. How important is it for social work students to be involved in shaping policy, practice, or public perception—and how can they start?
Social workers participate in various social settings in the society, providing the necessary advocacy services and required change. It is crucial to include them in the process of policy making. This will help social workers build confidence and understanding of the system, enhance inclusivity as well as foster networking. Their understanding of the systems will help demystify the negative perception that has been labelled against social workers by the public. Students can start by volunteering in the community, support student organisations, join advocacy groups, or take part in research work in order to have a greater exposure to new knowledge and experience in the practical field.
7. What support systems or opportunities have helped you grow as both a student and an emerging advocate?
My Growth and development have greatly been influenced by being in the leadership role, as well as the encouragement from fellow students, and mentorship from lecturers. My leadership role gave me a platform to collaborate between students and the administration providing a link and a safe space for students who would want their issues resolved. The role also gave me an opportunity to enhance my communication skills and build networks withing the institution and to understand that advocacy work can begin right from classroom. Having participated in student governance council provided an opportunity to gain insight into how an organisation function and how internal change can be realized.
8. Finally, what message would you share with your peers who are also aspiring to make an impact in the field of social work?
In conclusion, social work as a profession is driven by values such as social justice, human rights, cultural humility, empathy and accountability. Embarking on this career requires critical involvement, courage, and compassion. The magnitude of the societal problems such as structural inequality, intergenerational trauma, and growing mental health concerns can be overwhelming especially to social work professionals who are seen as the advocates in the field. However, these difficulties also present an opportunity to contribute to the solutions, to consistently stand out for justice, and advocate for the marginalised and the vulnerable in the society.