IKON
Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi is a renowned advocate for children’s rights and education and a leading activist against child labor. He founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement) in 1980 and has worked to protect the rights of over 83,000 children across 144 countries. His efforts have been recognized with various national and international honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, which he shared with Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan.
Although Satyarthi initially pursued a career in electrical engineering, obtaining a postgraduate degree in high-voltage engineering, he shifted his focus after a few years as a lecturer. In 1980, he became the Secretary General of the Bonded Labour Liberation Front. He has also been actively involved with the Global March Against Child Labour and its international advocacy body, the International Centre on Child Labour and Education (ICCLE), which are global coalitions of NGOs, educators, and trade unionists.
What is the Job all about?
Social work is fundamentally a service-oriented profession with a broad scope. It involves providing support to disadvantaged individuals and communities, especially during crises such as natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, famines) or family and educational issues. Social workers assist in various settings, including rehabilitation centers for drug addicts, orphanages, and facilities for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, they are involved in government and private trust schemes focused on healthcare, community policing, adoption, and environmental protection.
The social sector encompasses Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and institutions that offer services to various societal groups. These organizations engage in research, publish findings, and tackle issues at the grassroots level. International aid agencies like WHO, Oxfam, and Caritas provide funding to well-managed social work organizations, ensuring that there is financial support for effectively run and professionally managed projects.
Can you go for it?
To succeed in social work, you need compassion, empathy, and a great deal of patience. Strong organizational skills are essential, and proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous.
You may find yourself staying in basic accommodations and subsisting on simple diets, such as dal and chapatti, particularly during crises like earthquakes or typhoons.
If you choose to enter teaching within this field, gaining practical experience is crucial. This will help you effectively convey essential concepts to students and motivate them. Strong communication skills are necessary for success in teaching and social work alike.
Is there a future in this field?
Social work offers excellent career opportunities for those dedicated to helping individuals and communities in diverse situations. With society facing numerous challenges, individuals with empathy and patience are well-positioned to thrive in various roles or even establish their own consultancy.
Where to Begin
In Goa
1. Carmel College, Nuvem, South Goa, offers a 1-year Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling for students who have completed 10+2 – www.carmelcollegegoa.org
2. Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, also provides a 1-year Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling – www.nirmalainstitute.org
3. Goa University offers a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Outside Goa
One has to be a graduate in Arts, Commerce, or Science. Arts graduates are preferred, particularly those with a background in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology.
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Chembur, Mumbai (www.tiss.edu), offers a 2-year Post Graduate Program. Admission requires passing an entrance test, which can be taken during your final year of undergraduate studies. TISS offers the following programs:
• Family and Child Welfare
• Criminology
• Labour and Welfare (refer to the Management section)
• Community Development
• Public Health Management
• Hospitality Management
• Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
Nirmala Niketan in Mumbai also offers similar programs. Additionally, the Institute of Rural Management in Anand, Gujarat, provides a Post Graduate Program in Rural Management.
Employment avenues
You can find opportunities in various settings such as counselling centres within schools, hospitals, and community centres. Major organizations like WHO, OXFAM, and United Nations agencies also offer positions. Additionally, you can establish your own counselling centre.
Monetary Prospects
Initial salaries in basic roles at agencies, hospitals, or homes may not be very high, and entry-level positions can be challenging. However, as you gain experience and prove your skills, salaries can increase significantly. Starting salaries may range from around ₹10,000 per month, and with experience, they can rise to ₹50,000 per month or more.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024