Learning impactful with SCLC

On September 23, 2022, the students of Social Work from St.Xavier’s College were taken for a field visit to Shikharapur Community Learning Center in order to introduce the students to Community Organizations. The field visit intrigued the students to learn more about the community of Pharping. Some of the students were then given an opportunity to intern at Shikharapur Learning Center.
We interned at the Shikharapur approximately for 3 months, starting October 9, 2022, to January 9, 2023. During our internship, we were given the opportunity to engage in various activities such as – the COVID Response Program at the Manamohan Memorial Community Hospital, which included content writing for the hospital booklet, preparation of video documentaries, as well as volunteering at Rural Health Camp. In addition, we could also involve ourselves in several programs conducted by the CLC, its documentation, and even organize a program on “Self-Expression & Communication Skills for Women Entrepreneurs” of Pharping.

Overall Learning
During the internship, we were able to gain a wide range of skills and personal growth through our fieldwork. One of the most significant takeaways was our increased understanding and a deeper appreciation for the importance of community in benefiting any society. As we worked at SCLC for three long months, we learned to respect everyone’s thoughts and opinions and consider them when making group decisions. Through our work with community groups, we developed the patience and skills necessary to work effectively in a team.
One of the significant benefits of the internship was the opportunity to work on various projects that we had never undertaken before. This experience provided by SCLC greatly expanded our skill set, and we were able to gain knowledge of the management abilities and perspectives of experienced social workers. We had the opportunity to speak with people who have experience working in the field of community organizations and learn about the difficulties that social workers face. Throughout the time that we worked at SCLC, we were able to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained from our previous internships to our work here. We were also carefully guided and were able to receive constructive criticism on our work. As a result, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the sector and acquire the know-how necessary to excel in our future careers.
Overall, this internship at Shikharapur Community Learning Centre was a transformative experience that allowed us to apply our skills and knowledge from college to reality. We gained practical experience working in the real world, which provided invaluable insights into the sector. We were able to develop our skills, and gain new knowledge and understanding which led us to grow as a person. The experience will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our future career endeavors.
Thus, SCLC is an excellent opportunity for students of Social Work to gain understanding and knowledge about Community Organization as well as ignite their passion for Social Work.