Field Work
Wider networking with the agencies within and outside Kerala is the hallmark of the department. Students are closely monitored and guided during their fieldwork practicum by staff with extensive practical experience - nationally and internationally, in various areas of social work.

In order to enable students to undergo fieldwork supervised by duly qualified persons, the Department has entered into an agreement with numerous partner agencies functioning in various fields of social work both within and outside the state.

Besides undergoing regular fieldwork during each semester (concurrent/block) students are expected to participate in a rural camp, visit various organizations and undergo a block placement at the end of their course.

Exposure Visits
Visits are arranged in all semesters with the objective of giving the students an exposure to organizations in various settings and fields of social work practice. This enables the students to interact with professionals in the fields of social work and to gain a first hand understanding of the various possibilities, challenges and difficulties encountered in the profession.
Rural Camp

The department organizes an annual ten-day rural camp, appropriately titled 'Spandanam', which seeks to feel the pulse of the rural folk. This provides hands on experience for the students to experience the ground realities of rural living.
  
The rural camps are unique in nature as they are primarily organized by the students under the guidance and supervision of the faculty members. This sharpens their management and leadership skills. Students learn to identify felt needs of the community and organize appropriate need based programmes.

Gandhiji's concept of 'Nai Talim' is the inspiration to infuse education through work and promote a blending of body, mind & soul. Incorporating the participation of the community, students involve themselves in undertaking & implementing the need based community development programme.

Annual Rural Camp
The Rural camp promotes the holistic development of the students and simultaneously contributes to the sustainable development in the community.
The camp provides ample opportunities for students to fine tune their interpersonal relationship skills through the process of group dynamics. This sets in by way of working hand in hand with each other to achieve a harmonious blend of learning, work and entertainment.

Extension Activities
The Department is involved in several extension activities with special social relevance. Collaborations with governmental & non-governmental agencies is an on going process. Some of the extension activities are

• Analyzing social issues through micro researches.
• Project evaluations.
• Social action campaigns.
• Awareness classes for the public.
• Disaster relief programmes.
• Public Health awareness.

Providing reorganization to agencies and persons doing programmes of special social relevance.

Activities organized by the Department:

Sl .No	Date	Description of the programme	Remarks
1.	01 Jul 09	Job Opportunities abroad: A presentation by Polinsys, Ernakulam on Social Work job opportunities abroad.
2.	07 Jul 09	Programme on Anti torture day: Programme in connection with Anti torture day at Kanjiram, Grama Vikasana Hall, Kanjiram in Thiruvarpu Panchayat.   Total of 111 people participated.	Programme organized in association with World Vision, Kottayam, ADP.
3.	23 Jul 09	Meeting of Social Work Colleges: Meeting of Social Work departments under MG University was held in the department for discussing issues pertaining to the course.
4.	24 Jul 09	Documentary Fest & Workshop: Organized Documentary Fest & Workshop in College.   Mr. C. Sharad Chandran (Documentary maker) led the workshop. Screened about 8 documentaries during the function.
5.	29 Jul 09	Collected baseline information from Vijayapuram Panchayat and Kaduthuruthy Panchayat for UNICEF Project on Millennium Development Goals.
6.	14 Aug 09	Awareness programme on   H1N1: Organized awareness programme on   H1N1  (Swineflue) at College Auditorium. Session handled by Dr. P.R. Jayakumar, Dy. DMO, Kottayam
7.	27 Aug 09 (for one week)	Induction programme: Conducted Ushus - Induction programme for 2009-11 Batch for 4 days, Chief Guest Fr. Michael Vettikkatt. Personality Development session by Mr. Benny Kurien, Pala. Presentation made on social issues. Other sessions were taken by Mr. Linson Thomas (various Social Work methods), Dr. Jose Antony and Mr. Abraham Kurian.
8.	03 Oct 09.	'Saphalam Sayahnam'programme for the aged: A programme in College auditorium for elders 'Saphalam Sayahnam' organized in association with Smile India - Pakalveedu in connection with the International day for the elderly. Cine director Mr.Jayaraj inaugurated the pgogramme.
9	23 Oct 09	Work shop on Theme Centered Interaction: Conducted a session on Theme Centered Interaction to the students.   Resource person Prof. Hermann Epplar (Switzerland).
10	26 Oct 09	Passing out function Conducted passing out function for senior batch students. Chief Guest Dr. Rachel George. Felicitation by Dr.Louice McCabe (Sterling University, Scotland), Prof. Stephen Analyl.
11	01 Dec 2009	World AIDS Day: Observed World AIDS Day, 1 Dec 09. in association with Asha Kiran, Pampady Street play conducted at Pampady, Manarcadu, Nagambadom bus stand and Baker Junction.
12		(a)                      Anti stigma   campaign on HIV / AIDS:   Organized District Level progammes as part of   'Mazhavillu' statewide Anti stigma   campaign on HIV / AIDS   by Rajagiri Outreach supported by UNICEF. Conducted street play at seven places in Kottayam district.
13	17 Dec 09	(b)                      Conducted a seminar at BCM college as part of Anti stigma   campaign on HIV / AIDS.
14	22 Nov 09-29 Nov 09	Conducted rural camp at Pongampalli tribal colony in Kanthalloor Panchayat of Idukki Dt. Organized programmes like Socio Economy Survey, Community living, Visit to Palapetti tribal colony (6 km walk through forest), Visit to Chambakkad tribal colony, Games for children, women and men in the community and various cultural exchange programmes. The area has been adopted by the college for undertaking projects related to children's education.
15	Dec 09	Associated with 'Vazhikkannu' Road safety programme by Malayala Manorama. (i)   Taught street play to students of Cross Roads School, Pampady for programme related to Vazhikkannu (ii) Carried out study at various parts of   Kottayam town on Road safety and submitted the report.
16		Taken Group Work session for the   students of St. Ann's School on topic: 'How to prepare for the examinations'
17	27 Jan 2010	Associated with 'Mother' foundation and inaugurated college level awareness programme on Palliative Care. Programme presided over by Dr. Sr.Karuna, Key note address by Ms. Mini Antony Dt.Collector, inaugurated by Sri. V.N Vasavan MLA. Class by Sr.Joan Chungappura.
18	16 Feb 2010	Conducted counseling session for the students of St.Ann's school. Dr.Sr.Leesa led the team.
19	16 Mar 2010	Dept has organized Dt.Chapter formation meeting of ICSW (Indian Council of Social Welfare). Dr. Ipe Varghese welcomed the crowd. Dr.Sr.Karuna presided over. Mrs Beena Sebastian (Persident, ICSW Kerala Chapter) inaugurated and Fr.Michael Vettikkattu delivered key note address. Mr.KP Varkey led   the work shop on 'NGOs and Social Policies'. Elected following office bearers: Fr.Michael Vettikkattu, KSSS (President), Mrs. Annie Babu , Santwanam (Vice President), Dr.Ipe Varughese, SW, BCM (Secretary), Mr. P.K Johney (Jt.Secretary), Mrs. Jolly K James, SW. B.C.M (Treasurer)   .
20	16 Mar 10	Conducted field work partners meet. Representatives from 18 agencies participated. Mr.TA Varghese took a session.
21	28 Mar 10	Campaign for 'Earth hour' observation: Dept initiated a campaign for energy saving as part of observation of earth hour. Campaign was done conveying the message through e-mail, banners and posters.

Department of Social Work  

Department activities : 2010 - 2011

  A. Academic Performance

General:   2008-10 batches have passed out with 94% result.

Conducted two internal examinations in each semester for both the batches.

Various student development activities are conducted on all Wednesdays. This includes group discussions on different topics, debates, screening of documentaries and other personality development programmes.

                       Evaluations by the students are conducted feedbacks collected at the end of semesters.

                       Paper presentations are done by the students on all Mondays.  

Students of Sem -III   visited important organizations   related to Medical & Psychiatric Social Work and Community Development Social Work in Kolkatha and Chennai.    

B.   Activities organized by the Department (with brief description of the programme):  

1. Dept has organized ICSW Kottayam Dt. Chapter Formation meeting. Inaugurated by Ms. Beena Sebastian (President, ICSW   Kerala Chapter).   Dr. Ipe Varghese welcomed the participants. Presidential Address - Fr. Michael Vettikkattu, Session on 'NGOs and Social Policies' by Mr. K.P. Varkey. ICSW Kottayam district chapter is functioning in Dept of Social Work. President: Fr.Michael Vettikkattu, Secretary: Dr.Ipe Varghese.  
2. Conducted PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) workshop   at Christavashram, Manganam. Resource person - Mr. Joseph Mathew, Peermade   Development Society.  
3. Dept has implemented project 'Kuttikalkoru Karavalayam' in Vijayapuram Panchayat supported by UNICEF. Project was inaugurated on 29 Jun 10,during the function presided over by Dr.Sr.Karuna(Pricipal) Dt.Panchayat President. Following activities are done as part of the project:
4.   Training at Bangalore for Dr.Ipe Varghese and   Dr.Sr.Leesa.
5.   Training of Trainers for 10 resource team members by Dr.Ipe and Dr.Sr.Leesa.
6.   Preparation of IEC materials (hand books) for children, parents and teachers.
7.   Capacity building programme for teachers in all 17 schools in Vijayapuram Panchayat.
8. Initiated child development project at Pongampalli tribal colony (implemented as the project of BCM OJASS) :   -       23 tribal students were selected and were given with   education kit.
9. Personality development programmes for the children.
10. Started library facilities.
11. Conducted seminar on 'Missing Children Home link Net Work' and Child Protection Policies (on 14.7.10) in association with Don Bosco, Trivandrum.  
12. Conducted student development programme (on 14.7.10) on 'Movie maker Soft ware'.
13.   Conducted a survey in Kottayam Municipality to assess the needs of Palliative Care. Programme was organized in association with Mother foundation and Merchants Assn. Kottayam.    
14.   Conducted 'Ushus' the induction programme for 9^th batch (at Sr. Savio Memorial hall). Following sessions/programmes were conducted in four days:
    -                   Orientation Session by Mr. A.V. George, World Vision (Kottayam).
    -                   Dr. Ipe Varghese handed over the lights (Diya's) to each student.
    -                   Session by Ms. Bindu Abraham Social Work to solve social issues.
    -                  Session by Mr. Abraham Kurian (Life Tree Foundation).
               On topic 'Empowering people through alternate education'
15.   Ms. Rashmi Nair: On Role of SW in dealing with social problems.

16. Organized a session (on 20.8.10) on 'Dealing with Disability - importance of speech therapy by Ms. Louise (U.K).

17.   Organized Samanwaya 2010, the national level social work students' meet on 20-21 Sep 10.
    Seminar: Main presentation : Fr.Philip Parakkal, Don Bosco Tvm,   - 'Enabling a Protective Environment for Children - a right based approach'. Sub theme presentation by staff - from Rajagiri & Kadadi University,   Competitions were conducted on : Debate, Poster Presentation, Project Proposal Writing and   Street Play.
    300 participants + 60 participants from World Vision Community. 21 colleges (including Central University Pondicherry, Bangalore and Coimbatore) participated.  

7. Organized Interaction with media person from Kerala Kaumudi on Panchayat Raj Election and Women. (Girls from both the classes participated). Report was available in newspaper

8.   Organized Seminar on 'Learning Disabilities'(on 4.10.10) jointly by Dept. of Social Work, Dept. of Sociology BCM College and Y's Men's Club Kottayam from 3-5 P.M. at Sr. Savio Memorial Hall.

Chief Guest - Mar. Mathew Moolakkatu (Arch Bishop of Kottayam Arch diocese).

9. Organized the programme 'Saphalam Sayahnam'(on 9.10.10)

for elderly as part of the International day for elders. Programme jointly organized by Dept. of Social Work and Smile India pakalveedu.   Presidential address : Mr. Varghese Chandy, President Smile India. Blessing : Dr. Sr. Karuna, Chief Guest : Ms. Ananya (cine star), Mr. Prakash Paul (Kadamattathu Kathanar fame). 200 people participated

10. Conducted a study (on 13.10.10) in Kottayam town from 10.30 P.M. to 12 Midnight to find out homeless people in Kottayam

11. Received National City Makers (Caravan National Caravan- a national level programme for the homeless- organized by IGSSS). Programme organized in association with Life Tree Foundation Kottayam on 15.10.10

12. Organized a seminar on 'STDs and HIV on world AIDS day (in association with Dist.Hospital Kottayam).

13. Conducted personality and soft development sessions for 500 students at Vakathanam. The programme was organized by forming 12 groups according to age.

C. Paper Presentations by Faculty and students, Participation in/Seminars/ Special Sessions/   Important meetings

1. Dr Ipe Varughese (HOD) along with two students participated in the 'National consultation meet on 'People's appraisal on 11^th Five Year Plan' at New Delhi. Dr.Ipe presented the suggestions of southern regional meeting(held at Chennai) during the programme. The meeting was organized by United Nationas Development Project and Wada Na Todo Abhityan and participated by Dy.Chairman and Committee members of Planning commission.

2. One faculty attended a seminar on 'Gender Issues' at Archana Women's Centre, Vettimukal, Kottayam.

3. Dr.Ipe Varughese and Dr.Sr.Leesa participated in 'Women's day' programmes at Christavashramam organized by Y.W.C.A Kottayam on 09 Mar 10. Dr.Ipe Varughese took a class on 'The response of families towards the international Social Changes' and Dr.Sr.Leesa took a session on ' Role of Counselling in resolving family problems'.

4. Dr. Ipe Varghese and Ms. Jolly K James participated in a debate on 'Women's bill' conducted at Sr. Savio Hall by Malayala Manorama.

5. Dr. Ipe Varghese attended State Executive Committee meeting of ICSW at Ernakulam

6. Dr. Ipe Varghese attended a UNICEF meeting at Trivandrum on HACT (New Cash Transaction System to be adopted by UNICEF).

7. Dr. Ipe Varghese had participated in the technical consultation meeting on National Policy on Child. (Organized by UNICEF)

8. Two students (Sem III) attended a seminar on 'Women Empowerment through participation in Panchayat Raj Institution.

9. Dr. Sr. Leesa and Dr. Ipe Varghese participated in the workshop on 'Management of Learning Disabilities' at hotel Arcadia, Kottayam organized by Indian Psychiatric Society and Central Travancore Psychiatric Society.

10. Five Students (Sem I) participated in Seminar at De Paul Inst. Angamali - Theme: 'environment protection and terrorism'.

11. All faculty members participated seminar at college in connection with centenary celebration of Kottayam Arch Diocese.

12. Ms. Raji Thomas participated in the consultation meeting on 8.9.10 held at Rajagiri on   National Policy for children.

13. Mr.John Paul and Ms. Aruna (Sem III) participated in 'Dyuthi'(International conference at Rajagiri college, Kalamassery) and presented a paper. Only one student team got the chance to present paper in this International seminar.                                                 

16. 43 students participated in Rendezvous -10 ( the annual Social Work Students' meet organized by ICSW Kerala State chapter and Association of Schools of Social Work in Kerala) at LIZZAH college, Kozhikode. BCM college Participated in various events and got the overall champion ship trophy. This is the third consecutive time BCM becomes 'Rendezvous' overall champions.

17. 50 students participated in 'Spectra' the national level seminar and Students' meet at marian College, Kuttikkanam. Participated invarious events and got 'Spectra' overall championship trophy.

18. Conducted one day personality development programme at Vallikkatu Dayara, Vakathanam for 450 students and 40 teachers.

D. Manuscript/ Magazines/ other publications

(i)                                 Publish 'educere' the biannual social work journal

(ii)                             Publish 'upakrama' the biannual Social Work news bulletin

(iii)                         Published a special supplement 'Dec 10' by the student's association. The supplement   released by Principal by giving a copy of the supplement to Fr. Alex Akkapparampil, Manager of the College.

(iv)                         Printed a single page calendar covering all the months in a single A3 size paper which highlights all the important international days observed

E.           Recreational Activities;

1.           Conducted one day tour to Konni and Thenmala

F. Sports Activities

Students Participated in College Sports in many   items and won many prizes.

G. Days Observed in Department:

                       (a)   Onam

                       (b)   Christmas