An International Social Work Colloquium on Social Work Field Work, Field Practicum and Enhancing Competencies was organised by Department of Social Work, BCM College and Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal

The Department of Social Work, B.C.M College, Kottayam, Kerala in collaboration with Kadambari Memorial College, Kathmandu, Nepal, organized an International Social Work Colloquium on Social Work Field Work Field Practicum and Enhancing Competencies on Saturday, 30th November 2024. The event took place at Sr. Savio Memorial Hall, BCM College, with the participation of academicians, students, and social work practitioners.
The colloquium aimed to create a platform for discussing best practices in social work fieldwork, focusing on enhancing professional competencies and ethical decision-making. It also emphasized the importance of aligning expectations in the field of social work for both practitioners and students.
The program commenced with an inaugural session led by Dr. Stephy Thomas, Principal of BCM College, and Dr. Ipe Varughese, Head of the Department of Social Work and Secretary General of the Indian Network of Professional Social Work Associations (INPSWA) presiding over. Both emphasized the critical role of field practicum in shaping the skills and attitudes of future social workers.
Two distinguished speakers contributed to the intellectual depth of the colloquium. Mrs. Kipa Maskey from Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal, brought insights on cross-cultural perspectives in social work field education, while Dr. P.J. Lukose from BCM College highlighted practical strategies to develop competencies through experiential learning.
TSW. Ajil Mathew George and TSW. Abhirami Krishnan A R(2nd yr MSW Students) from BCM College shared their insights into fieldwork practices in India, while Ms. Kripa Das and Ms. Shiksha Bhattarai(final year BSW students) from Kadambari Memorial College elaborated on their experiences in Nepal. These student presentations offered a practical and comparative perspective, enriching the overall discussions and providing real-world examples of fieldwork challenges and learning.
A notable theme of the event was reflected in the quote: “As a social worker, be careful of expectations that you set for others, but more importantly, be careful of the ones you set for yourself.” This statement served as a guiding principle for self-reflection and personal growth in the profession.
The event concluded on a high note, with participants gaining valuable insights into improving their practice and fostering meaningful collaboration between institutions. The program was organized under the auspices of the BCM-Kadambari Association of Social Work, reflecting their commitment to advancing global standards in social work education.

Welcoming Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal 

BCM College Kottayam (Department of Social Work and Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal) has MoU since long and both the institutions are having many activities together such as organizing joint conferences, field work and study tour etc. As part of the MoU, a team of 6 students and 1 faculty of Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal has visited BCM college for conducting urban camp and other activities on 29 Nov 2024.
Dr. Ipe Varughese, Head, Dept of Social Work, Dr.PJ Lukose, Ms. Maneesha Sunder, Ms. Aneenamol Shaji, and Ms. Mary Helen and student representatives gave a warm welcome to the Kadambari College team. Initially they had an interaction with Dr. Stephy Thomas, Principal and Fr. Philmon Kalathra Bursar and Secretary, Corporate Educational Agency of colleges, Arch Diocese of Kottayam and discussed the entire programmes of the visit.
The team was further given welcome in the department with the students. All the members introduced themselves.
The activities started with discussion on the I Semester field work and its objectives. The three tier Panchayat raj system in India and the role of Gramsabha and Kudumbasree were discussed.
In the evening the team conducted a transect walk covering the east side of the city to understand the urban life and other facilities.

MSW first year students does observation visit to “Changanacherry Social Service Society” as part of Ist Semester field practicum on 26/07/24. 

MSW first year students does observation visit to “House of providence, Kunnanthanam” as part of Ist Semester field practicum on 26/07/24. 

 ‘Career Guidance Seminar for Social Work Students’ 

Department of Social Work BCM College, Kottayam teams up with Brainwave Education and Training for ‘Career Guidance Session’ for the first year and second year MSW students. Class led by Mr. Tomy Sebastian, MSW (Managing Director, Brainwave Education and Training)

“Words of Hope: Writing for Cancer Awareness”

As part of National Cancer Awareness Day, the Department of Social Work, BCM College, Kottayam in association with Prachothana Wellness Center, HR AHT Club and KAPS conducted intra collegiate letter writing competition.

Saphalam Sayahnam 2024

The Department of Social Work, in collaboration with Smile India Pakalveedu, organized 16th Edition of the program ‘Saphalam Sayahnam’ on Saturday, 5th October 2024. The program was well-received, with 118 senior citizens in attendance, along with faculties and students from the Department of Social Work.

The event commenced at 10:00 am with a welcome address from Dr. Ipe Varughese, Head of the Department of Social Work, who extended his gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the purpose of the program.  Following this, the program was officially inaugurated by H. E. Gheevarghese Mar Aprem, Auxiliary Bishop, Archeparchy of Kottayam. His presence added significance to the event.

The presidential address was delivered by Mr. Varghese Chandy, President of SMILE India and introductory speech by Mr. Tito Thomas, Secretary Smile India. As a token of appreciation, mementos were presented to both H. E. Gheevarghese Mar Aprem and Mr. Tito Thomas for their valuable contributions and support.

A significant part of the program was a session on “Old Age and Healthy Habits” by Dr. Varghese P Punnoose, Principal of Medical College, Kottayam. In his session, he emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy habits in old age. His insights prompted active discussions and reflections among the senior citizens, enriching their understanding of healthy aging.

Following the session, an interactive session was held where the senior citizens and the students from the Department of Social Work engaged in meaningful conversations. This provided a platform for the senior citizens to voice their concerns, share their life stories, and offer advice to the younger generation. The students, in turn, gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by older adults and the significance of offering psychosocial support. The interaction fostered a sense of community and connection, bridging the gap between generations.

The event also featured a series of cultural performances that added vibrancy to the program. Both the students and the senior citizens showcased their talents through songs and dances.

The entire event was efficiently coordinated by TSW Akash Shaju and TSW Krupa Mariam Sabu. The program was hosted skillfully by TSW Ashin P Sabu and TSW Fousteena T Jose.

The program concluded at 1:30 pm with a lunch provided to all participants.

Seminar on ‘Social Work for Development of Community’

A session on ‘Social Work for Development of Community’ was taken by PSW Dr. Siby Joseph, Programme Director, Peerumade Development Society and President of KAPS, Idukki Chapter  on 9th July 2024 at Sr. Savio Memorial Hall, BCM College, Kottayam. The first year MSW students, their parents and second year MSW students attended the session.

PTA Meeting 2024-2026

The first PTA meeting of the 2024 – ’26 batch was done with students of first year MSW along with their parent/guardian on 09/07/2024. Dr. Ipe Varughese, Head, Department of Social Work led the meeting by giving an overview of the course’s objectives and rules and regulations of the course.

USHUS 2024

As part of the Induction Program for the 2024-2026 batch, the Social Work Department of BCM College organized USHUS  on July 9, 2024. The event commenced at 10:00 am in Sr. Savio Hall at BCM College, Kottayam. The program opened with a prayer song by TSW Krishnapriya and TSW Devika G. Words from the Holy Scriptures Bible, Bhagavad Gita and Quran were recited by TSW Amrutha P Kumar, TSW Riswana K and TSW Ashin P Sabu respectively.

The welcome address was delivered by PSW Dr. Ipe Varughese, Head of the Department Social Work, BCM College and Secretary General of the India Network of Professional Social Workers’ Association. Fr. Abraham Parambettu, Manager of BCM College Kottayam, presented the Presidential address. Dr. Siby Joseph, Program Director, Peerumade Social Service Society, Idukki and President of KAPS Idukki Chapter, Director, School of Social Work, Marian College, Kuttikanam delivered the Inauguration and Induction message. Dr. Stephy Thomas, Principal, BCM College, Kottayam, addressed all the students. Felicitations were offered by Fr. Philmon Kalathara, Secretary of the Corporate Educational Agency of Colleges, Archdiocese of Kottayam, and PSW Dr. Lukose P J, Professor of the Department of Social Work.

To symbolize new beginnings, first-year students received lit Diyas from the Principal of BCM College. A video presentation showcasing the activities of the Social Work Department was displayed. Vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Aneenamol Shaji, Assistant Professor at BCM College and Faculty Coordinator of USHUS 2024.

Workshop on ‘Analysis of Qualitative data’ 

Conducted a workshop on ‘Qualitative data analysis’ on 13-14 June 2024. Dr.Ipe Varughese Facilitated the workshop by practically collecting the qualitative data and helping to analyse the data through different stages of coding, categorising and identifying themes. 28 trainees participated, they were divided into five groups and undergone a thorough practical experience.

Mary E  Richmond International  Conference 2022

Mary E Richmond International Conference was organized on 8th and 11th  November 2022 in association with Johannesburg University South Africa, INPSWA, KAPS. Mary Richmond series is an academic initiative of dept. of Social Work BCM College, Kottayam (India) since 2018. It is an excellent platform for students, scholars and professionals to present their distinctive interventions/practice in various fields and also present the field work experiences/ findings of dissertations. Theme for the 5th edition of Mary E Richmond Conference was Indigenous Practice in Social Work: Global South Perspective. Conference was inaugurated by Prof.Dr.Varoshini Nadesan senior lecturer University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Walk for Freedom

In an effort to raise awareness for human trafficking department of Social Work, B.C.M college organized a freedom walk.Freedom Walk is an outward expression of our inward desire to see human trafficking completely abolished. College principal Dr Stephy Thomas flaged off the walk. Professional Social Workers Adv.Sr Reji Augustine, Childline Coordinator Mr. Justin Michael, HoD Dr.Ipe Varughese addressed the walk at District hospital Kottayam. Dr. Sr. Nichol and Sr. Sheena MU, Mr.Nandakishor P S  accompanied the walk with trainee social workers.

Pride Month Celebration

Department of Social Work, BCM College Kottayam  Conducted and an Interactive session CHEER QUEER with Sheetalshyam , Trangender Activist and Artist in Association with Catalyst Group, Kottayam as part of celebrating Pride Month.   (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans.

Students Darbar

As part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, Students Darbar was conducted on the topic ‘‘Freedom with boundaries in Indian context’’ on 22 August 2022 at BCM College auditorium on 12.45pm. Students Darbar is a platform for free sharing of thoughts, perspectives and feelings. Students from different departments participated in the programme.

Safalam Sayahnnam – 2022

Saphalam Sayahnnam is on of the prestigious events of the social work department at BCM College Kottayam,and it has been held for the past 13 years since 2009. The event aims to give elderly population  a very auspicious  day in which they can interact with  the younger generation and spend time with each other. Smile India Pakal Veedu and Department of Social Work jointly organises Safalam Sayahnam since 2009.  Honourable Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Pacomios inaugurated the event. Prof. Dr. Raju D Krishnapuram also took a sesssion for the elderly.

 

Orientation Programme for New Batch(2020-2021)

Online Programme

28/12/2020 – Introduction about the course by Dr. Ipe Varughese (HOD)

29/12/2020 – Subject orientation by all faculty

30/12/2020 – Study and Discussion on Govt. Service agency near the locality by all faculty

01/01/2021 – Study and Discussion on Govt. Health Programme by all faculty

04/01/2021 – Discussion on Agriculture Bill 2020 by all faculty

Offline Programme

11/01/2021 – Community Cafe on social problems of elderly, PWD and Transgenders by Ms. Gayathri Das (Faculty)
15/01/2021 – Welcome ceremony for freshers by Dr. Ipe Varughese (HPD

22/01/2021 – Organisation Visit to KSSS by first year students and faculty Mr. Jaison M C (Faculty)

25/01/2021 – Orientation of Department of social work by Dr. Ipe Varughese (HOD)

25/01/2021 – Orientation on Childline by Mr. Justin Micheal (District Coordinator, Childline, Kottayam

USHUS (Induction Ceremony) – 05/01/2021

Dr. Ipe Varughese, Head of  Social Work dept., welcomed the gathering. He started with the quote of Mahathma Gandhi “ Be the change you want to see”. He also emphasized on role of parents in molding up social workers of tomorrow. Dr. Teena Annah Thomas, Principal of BCM College Kottayam delivered the presidential address. She talked about the way her knowledge which was limited to child protection was broadened by the exposure to the programme of Department of Social Work BCM College.She congratulated parents and newly admitted students for making the right choice by selecting Social Work. Mr. Domi John, District mass media officer inaugurated the function and delivered inaugural address. He focused on ‘social work as a profession’and emphasized how skills,attitude and knowledge together is trained during the course.

Dr. Teena Annah Thomas, Principal of BCM College initiated the limp lighting ceremony and passed the light to the first year students. The lighted lamps together lit up USHUS 2021.

Seminar on -‘ child protection – in the context of child marriage prohibition act’ 27 Jan 2021

All the students participated in the subject seminar on 27 Jan 2021 organized by District Child Protection Office (Dept. of Women and Child Development). Mrs. Mallika DCPU shared welcome address, Ms. Tintu (Protection Officer ) gave introduction and Dr.Ipe Varughese  inaugurated the programme. Adv.Lakmipriya took the session.

Transaction Analysis for self change

BCM Social Work Department organized two days  Transaction Analysis session on ‘Self Awareness for Life Changing’ on 7-8 Jan 2021. Mr. Sabu Yohannan was the resource person

National webinar on – Right to Menatl Helath, New Normal

National webinar on the topic  “Right to Health in New Normal” was conducted on 6 Januvary 2021 in BCM College Kottayam. Webinar was organized through online platform Zoom. After that welcome speech delivered by Fr. PS Lenin Antony SJ, Director of AADI. The program was Inaugurated by Dr. Ipe Varghese, Head of the Department of Social Work in BCM college. This session was led by Dr. Elizabeth Shiny, Clinical Psychologist, Evergreen Center for Ayurvedha Kozhikodu. Ms. Elizebeth Shiny emphasized the systematically applying the right to health to public health policies when addressing the Covid 19 Pandemic.

USHUS ORIENTATION

The orientation session for the 19th MSW batch was Conducted on 25 June 2021. The session was led by Dr. Ipe Varughese Head, Department of social work BCM college. Dr Ipe explained about the history of social work in BCM college and also talked about the academic curriculum of Masters in Social Work. The session ended by 11 am.  TSW Ms. Agneya Vaman Thiruvadi delivered the vote of thanks.