“Since 1996, students from St. Xavier’s College have been coming to Pharping as part of their social work training. This has established our institution, “A School for Community (ASC),” as a renowned place for hands-on learning. ASC has become a focal point for youth, educators, and social work practitioners, evolving into what we proudly call a “Live Resource Centre.” Today, ASC plays a pivotal role in promoting best social work practices through the Shikharapur Movement for development organizations.
This blog, authored by a St. Xavier’s College social work student, underscores the significance of the place and the transformative learning process, shedding light on its valuable contribution to youth development and knowledge dissemination.”
– Niroj Shrestha, Program Director, SCLC
“Learning from the Community: A Social Work Field Trip to SCLC….“
–By Sanshila Khadka, Manaswi Bhattarai// BASW, 3RD YEAR, St. Xavier’s College
For us aspiring professional social workers, being able to practically implement the theoretical knowledge in the field setting is crucial. In every step of learning and exploring, we are mirrored with the different dimensions and approach towards the practice of social work. Visiting the Shikharapur Community Learning Center (SCLC) at Pharping, Kathmandu on 29th September, 2023 for us was one of the opportunities where we were able to see one of the dimensions of the practice done in the social work field.
Our journey unfolded step by step, beginning with a visit to Shesh Narayan Temple and progressing seamlessly through the SCLC’s main office, school, agriculture farm, eco-friendly bottle house, and the hydropower visit. It all started at the serene Shesh Narayan Temple, where we immersed ourselves in Pharping’s cultural roots. Witnessing local projects in action demonstrated the immense impact of grassroots efforts, which further came to life at the Agriculture Learning Resource Center, where we marveled at practical skills and eco-friendly farming techniques. Likewise, the bottle house symbolized human creativity and sustainability. Each experience helped us learn about the construction process and how the community organization functions with the cooperation of the community. SCLC, a small initiative for change, has now become an integral part of the Pharping community.
We believe that SCLC has become a prime example of “great things are done by the series of small acts brought together”, as they started with a micro group of a handful of manpower. The dedication, energy and vision of the organization staff towards the community is commendable. It also has become a place for learning for the potential future professionals in the field of social work. The SCLC provides internship and volunteering placements for aspiring social workers like us to garner the experience and the implications of theoretical knowledge in a practical environment. This will assist the social work students like us to plate and give an exposure to the professional world.
As students of social work, visiting SCLC was a memorable day for us. We were mirrored with a different dimension of social work where professionals joined hands with people, engaging in the activities through participatory approach to bring change in the community. We were able to witness the plans, processes and results of the programs organized by community organization for the people. It was indeed an enriching experience to learn about the programs, plans being implemented by SCLC for the growth and empowerment of the community.
This experience is a lesson for everyone, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, self-sustainability, and community resource utilization, especially in Nepal. The work of the Shikharapur Community Learning Center embodies these principles, and more people should be aware of its potential for positive change in society.
On behalf of the department and St. Xavier’s college, we would like to express our gratitude and immense pleasure towards SCLC for hosting the orientation and field trip with great hospitality. We wish for growth and development of the organization with positive notions and better learning. Thank you.
By,
Sanshila Khadka, Manaswi Bhattarai
BASW, 3RD YEAR, St. Xavier’s College
Maitighar, Kathmandu