SENAPATI, April 28: The Department of Social Work, St. Xavier College, Senapati, successfully conducted its Rural Practicum at Maram Khongnem village from April 22 to 26, 2025. A group comprising 24 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students, accompanied by three Assistant Professors participated in the field engagement.
The five-day program was designed to blend academic learning with hands-on community engagement. It commenced with an Orientation Program. A key highlight was the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), which included a detailed transect walk and social mapping exercises to understand the village’s resources, challenges, and lifestyle.
In efforts to promote environmental cleanliness and sustainability, students installed dustbins at strategic locations, conducted a village-wide cleaning drive, and carried out a tree plantation program. Additionally, a socio-economic survey was undertaken to assess the living standards and needs of the villagers. The students also tutored local children, providing academic support and encouragement. Another activity is lending a helping hand to the villagers is terms of manual work. Besides, three awareness programs were held on— one on Menstrual Hygiene whereby free distribution of sanitary pads was carried out in collaboration with Amyaa NGO. The other two were on Environmental and Wildlife Protection, and on available facilities and services provided by NGOs operating in and around Senapati with the aim to bridge the gap between available resources and the villagers.
The Rural Practicum was an enriching experience, fostering a spirit of service, learning, and mutual respect between the students and the community. It reaffirmed the vital role of academic institutions in community development and social responsibility.
