Field Practicum Report

On

Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA)

House-08, Road-04, Block-A,
Shahjalal Upashahar, Sylhet- 3100, Bangladesh
Tel: +88-02996641328, Cell: +88-01712176667
E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.idea.org.bd

Tittle: Field Practicum

Course Code: SCW-423
Duration of Field Practicum: 60 Working Days.
Faculty Supervisor Agency Supervisor
Krittebas Paul Nazmul Haque
Assistant Professor Executive Director
Department of Social Work Institute of Development Affairs
Shahjalal University of Science (IDEA), Sylhet
and Technology, Sylhet

Presented by
Saiful Islam
Session: 2018-19
4th Year, 2nd Semester
Reg. No: 2018233034

Department of Social Work

Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhe
Preface
Social work is a professional service that draws upon scientific knowledge and skills to assist
individuals and communities in improving their social well-being. Fieldwork, an integral
component of social work education, provides students with hands-on experience in applying
their theoretical understanding to real-world scenarios. During my fieldwork at the Institute of
Development Affairs (IDEA) in Sylhet, I engaged with diverse individuals and communities,
utilizing social work principles to address various social challenges. Social work's emphasis on
empowering individuals and communities for the betterment of their social conditions.
Throughout my fieldwork, I witnessed firsthand the positive impact social work interventions
can have on people's lives. The opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations
further fueled my passion for this field.

The integration of academic knowledge with practical experience is crucial for effective social
work practice. My fieldwork at IDEA provided an invaluable platform for bridging the gap
between theory and application. I actively engaged with community members, applying social
work theories and methodologies to address their needs and concerns. This dynamic interplay
between theory and practice enriched my understanding of social work's complexities. The
knowledge and skills I acquired during my fieldwork will undoubtedly serve as a foundation
for my future endeavors in social work. I am confident that the hands-on experience gained at
IDEA will empower me to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

There are nine chapters in this report. Chapter one represents the introduction of fieldwork,
chapter two represents introduction to the agency at a glance, chapter three represents the scope
of the application of the social work knowledge, chapter four represents social work practice
with individuals, chapter five represents social work practice with groups, chapter six
represents other activities during the fieldwork, chapter seven represents evaluation of the
agency, and chapter eight represents my achievements and limitations during fieldwork and the
ninth chapter contains recommendations and conclusion.

Saiful Islam
Reg. No: 2018233034
Department of Social Work, SUST.

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Acknowledgement
Social work is a scientific approach to addressing social issues, employing evidence-based
knowledge and specialized skills to provide services that empower individuals, groups, and
communities. The core objective of social work lies in translating theoretical understanding
into practical action. As a student of social work, I was sent to the Institute of Development
Affairs (IDEA) in Sylhet for completing my field practicum. My faculty supervisor, agency
supervisor, and office employees graciously cooperated with me, inspired me, gave me
guidance, and helped me become more effective and skilled and allowed me to create a
dynamic report.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Assistant Professor Mr. Krittebas Paul,
my esteemed faculty supervisor at the Department of Social Work at Shahjalal University of
Science and Technology in Sylhet, for providing me proper direction to complete my field
work and for sharing his vast experience and knowledge with me. His thoughtful guidelines
also enabled me to complete this paper.

I would like to send my sincere appreciation and respect to my honorable agency supervisor
Mr. Nazmul Haque, Executive Director of the Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA), Sylhet,
for his kind assistance. He has given me direction and inspiration so that I could freely work
within his organization. I also want to express my gratitude to the office employees for
frequently assisting me during my fieldwork period and making the working environment so
enjoyable.

My fieldwork group members, who have helped me in several ways, are also to be thanked.

Saiful Islam
Reg. No: 2018233034
Department of Social Work, SUST.

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 Table of Contents
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter one ................................................................................................................................ 5
Field Practicum in Social Work Education ................................................................................ 5
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Concept of Social Work .............................................................................................. 6
1.3 Basic Principles of Social Work.................................................................................. 7
1.4 Methods of Social Work ............................................................................................. 8
1.4.1 Basic Methods ......................................................................................................... 9
1.4.2 Auxiliary Methods ................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Characteristics of Social Work .................................................................................. 10
1.6 Aims and Objectives of Social Work ........................................................................ 11
1.6.1 Aims of social work............................................................................................... 11
1.6.2 Objectives of social work ...................................................................................... 11
1.7 Concept of Fieldwork in Social Work....................................................................... 12
1.8 Aims and Objectives of Field Practicum................................................................... 13
1.9 Types of Field Practicum .......................................................................................... 14
1.9.1 Concurrent Fieldwork ............................................................................................ 14
1.9.2 Block Placement Fieldwork................................................................................... 15
1.9.3 Combination of Block and Concurrent Fieldwork ................................................ 15
1.10 Importance of Field Practicum in Social Work ......................................................... 15
1.11 My placement of Field practicum ............................................................................. 16
1.12 Assigned Tasks.......................................................................................................... 17
Chapter Two............................................................................................................................. 18
Introducing Field Practicum Agency ....................................................................................... 18
2.1 Name and Location of the Agency ............................................................................ 19
2.2 Introduction to Institute of Development Affairs ...................................................... 19
2.3 Legitimacy of the Organization................................................................................. 20
2.4 Vision and Mission of IDEA ..................................................................................... 20
2.5 Core Values of IDEA ................................................................................................ 21
2.6 Program Components of IDEA ................................................................................. 21

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 2.7 Programming Principles of IDEA ............................................................................. 22
2.8 Operational Scale of IDEA ....................................................................................... 22
2.9 Development Approaches of IDEA .......................................................................... 22
2.10 Organogram of IDEA ................................................................................................ 24
2.11 Ongoing Projects of IDEA ........................................................................................ 25
Chapter Three........................................................................................................................... 26
Application of Social Work Knowledge .................................................................................. 26
3.1 Social Work Practice with Group.............................................................................. 27
3.1.1 Group Work- 01..................................................................................................... 27
3.2 Socia Work Practice with Community ...................................................................... 32
3.2.1 Building Community Health Awareness ............................................................... 32
3.2.2 Advancing Women’s Right to Information in Bangladesh ................................... 34
3.3 Social Action ............................................................................................................. 36
3.3.1 Social Action against Mental Health Problems ..................................................... 36
Chapter Four ............................................................................................................................ 38
Self-Evaluation ........................................................................................................................ 38
4.1 My Experiences as an Intern Social Worker ............................................................. 39
4.2 My Achieved Experiences during Fieldwork............................................................ 39
4.3 Acquired Knowledge and Skills During Fiend Practicum ........................................ 40
4.4 My Limitations During Field Practicum ................................................................... 42
Chapter Five ............................................................................................................................. 44
Evaluation of The Agency ....................................................................................................... 44
5.1 Scope of Social Work practice at IDEA.................................................................... 45
5.2 Strengths of the Agency ............................................................................................ 45
5.3 Limitation of the Agency .......................................................................................... 46
5.4 Recommendation....................................................................................................... 47
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 48
Reference ................................................................................................................................. 49
Appendix .................................................................................................................................. 50

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 Chapter one
Field Practicum in Social Work Education

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1.1 Introduction
Social work is a profession that combines systematic knowledge, skills, and practice to address
the challenges faced by individuals, families, groups, and communities. It aims to promote
social functioning and well-being by utilizing scientific insights and techniques. W.A.
Friedlander's definition encapsulates this purpose: "Social work is a professional service based
upon scientific knowledge and skill in human relations, which assists individuals alone or in
groups to obtain social and personal satisfaction and independence." Social work's global
definition, endorsed by the IFSW and the IASSW in 2014, further emphasizes its commitment
to social change, development, cohesion, empowerment, and liberation, upholding principles
of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity. Social work's
theoretical foundation, encompassing social sciences, humanities, and indigenous knowledge,
guides its practical interventions to address life challenges and enhance well-being.

Fieldwork experience is an indispensable component of social work education, providing

students with the opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical
application. Ana L. Dayes introduced the value of field experience in social work education in
1893. As a result, field work served as the foundation for professional social work when it
began in 1898. Fieldwork, also known as practicum or internship, involves direct involvement
in various social work activities, making the term "internship" particularly apt in this context.
Students receive supervision from both internal and external supervisors, ensuring a well-
rounded learning experience.

Professional social work requires a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
To bridge this gap, I completed a 60-day fieldwork placement at the Institute of Development
Affairs (IDEA) in Sylhet. During my time at IDEA, I diligently fulfilled my responsibilities
under the guidance of experienced professionals, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the
field of social work. This practical exposure complemented my theoretical understanding,
preparing me for a successful career in social work.

1.2 Concept of Social Work

Social work is a profession that helps individuals, families, groups, and communities to
enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social workers are trained to identify and

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address social issues, such as poverty, homelessness, abuse, addiction, and mental illness. They
work to empower people to overcome these challenges and improve their lives.

Social work is a practice-based profession, which means that social workers spend most of
their time working directly with clients. They may provide counseling, case management,
advocacy, or other services. Social work is also an academic discipline, which means that there
is a body of knowledge and theory that underpins the profession. Social workers typically have
a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or a master's degree in social work (MSW).

Social work is based on the principles of social justice, human rights, and collective
responsibility. Social workers believe that everyone deserves to have a good life and that it is
the responsibility of society to provide the resources and support that people need to thrive.

Here are the key values of social work:

• Social justice: Social workers believe that everyone should have equal access to
opportunities and resources, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status.
• Human rights: Social workers believe that everyone has the right to dignity, respect,
and freedom from harm.
• Collective responsibility: Social workers believe that society has a responsibility to
care for its most vulnerable members.

Social workers play a vital role in addressing the social issues that face our communities. They
are passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world.

1.3 Basic Principles of Social Work

The basic principles of social work guide social workers in their work with individuals,
families, groups, and communities. They help social workers to provide effective and ethical
services that make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Here are the basic principles of social work, as outlined in the book "Social Work: An
Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare" by Walter Trattner and Edith Witt:

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 • Principle of Acceptance: Social workers should accept clients for who they are,
regardless of their personal characteristics or behaviors. This means showing genuine
concern, listening receptively, and avoiding judgment.

• Principle of Individualization: Social workers should recognize that each client is

unique and has their own individual strengths, weaknesses, and needs. This means
tailoring interventions to fit the specific circumstances of each client.

• Principle of Self-determination: Social workers should respect the right of clients to

make their own decisions about their lives. This means providing clients with
information and options, but ultimately allowing them to choose their own path.

• Principle of Non-judgmental attitude: Social workers should avoid making negative

judgments about clients. This means understanding and evaluating clients' behavior
without assigning blame.

• Principle of Confidentiality: Social workers should protect the confidentiality of

clients' personal information. This means only sharing information with others when it
is necessary and with the client's consent.

• Principle of Empowerment: Social workers should help clients develop their own
strengths and abilities to solve problems and improve their lives. This means providing
clients with the skills and resources they need to take control of their own lives.

• Principle of Social justice: Social workers should advocate for social justice and
equality for all people. This means working to address issues such as poverty,
discrimination, and oppression.

• Principle of Cultural competence: Social workers should be culturally competent and

respectful of the diversity of clients' cultures. This means understanding and
appreciating the different cultural values, beliefs, and practices of clients.

1.4 Methods of Social Work

Social workers typically use a combination of basic and auxiliary methods to address the needs
of their clients and communities. The specific methods that a social worker uses will depend

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on the individual client or community, the social worker's own skills and expertise, and the
resources that are available.

1.4.1 Basic Methods

Basic methods of social work are those that social workers use directly with clients to address
their individual, family, or group needs. These methods are typically face-to-face and involve
a relationship between the social worker and client. The three basic methods of social work
are:

a) Social casework: This is the traditional method of social work and involves working
with individuals and families to address their personal and social problems. Social
caseworkers use a variety of techniques, such as assessment, counseling, and case
management, to help clients develop coping skills, improve relationships, and access
resources.
b) Social group work: This method involves working with groups of people to achieve
common goals. Social group workers use techniques such as group dynamics,
facilitation, and education to help group members develop new skills, build
relationships, and solve problems.
c) Community organization: This method involves working with communities to
identify and address social issues. Community organizers use techniques such as
community assessment, coalition building, and advocacy to help communities develop
and implement programs and policies that address their needs.

1.4.2 Auxiliary Methods

In addition to the basic methods of social work, there are also a number of auxiliary methods
that social workers may use to support their practice. These methods are typically indirect and
do not involve direct contact with clients. The four main auxiliary methods of social work are:

a) Social action: This method involves advocating for social change to address social
issues. Social workers may engage in social action by participating in protests, lobbying
lawmakers, or developing educational campaigns.

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 b) Social welfare administration: This method involves managing and planning social
welfare programs and services. Social welfare administrators may develop and
implement policies, allocate resources, and oversee the work of social workers.

c) Social work research: This method involves conducting research to improve the
understanding and practice of social work. Social work researchers may study social
problems, evaluate interventions, or develop new theories about social work practice.

1.5 Characteristics of Social Work

Here are the characteristics of social work, as outlined in the book "Social Work: An
Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare" by Walter Trattner and Edith Witt:

• Holistic Approach: Social work is a holistic profession that recognizes the

interconnectedness of an individual's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Social workers consider all aspects of a client's life when assessing their needs and
developing interventions.

• Person-in-Environment Perspective: Social work views individuals within the context of

their environment, recognizing that social, economic, and political factors can influence
their well-being. Social workers consider the impact of these factors on clients and advocate
for changes that promote individual and community development.

• Empowerment: Social work emphasizes empowering clients to take control of their lives
and make their own decisions. Social workers provide clients with the skills, resources, and
support they need to enhance their self-determination and independence.

• Social Justice: Social work is grounded in the principles of social justice and equality.
Social workers advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness, equity, and human
rights for all individuals and communities.

• Cultural Competence: Social work recognizes the importance of cultural competence in

providing effective services. Social workers strive to understand and respect the diverse
cultural backgrounds of their clients and incorporate cultural sensitivity into their practice.

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• Evidence-Based Practice: Social work values evidence-based practice, which involves
using research and data to inform interventions and evaluate their effectiveness. Social
workers continuously seek to improve their practice by incorporating evidence-based
approaches.

1.6 Aims and Objectives of Social Work

Here are the aims and objectives of social work, as outlined in the book "Social Work: An
Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare" by Walter Trattner and Edith Witt:

1.6.1 Aims of social work

The overall aims of social work are to:

• Enhance human well-being: Social work seeks to promote the overall well-being of
individuals, families, groups, and communities. This includes addressing their physical,
emotional, social, and economic needs.
• Help meet basic and complex needs: Social work helps people meet their basic needs
for food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. It also addresses complex needs such as
mental health issues, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
• Empower people: Social work empowers people to take control of their own lives and
make their own decisions. It helps people develop the skills and resources they need to
solve problems and improve their circumstances.
• Promote social justice: Social work advocates for social justice and equality for all
people. It works to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, and oppression.

1.6.2 Objectives of social work

The specific objectives of social work may vary depending on the individual client or situation,
but they generally include:

• Improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities: Social
work aims to make a positive difference in the lives of people by helping them
overcome challenges, improve their relationships, and achieve their goals.

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 • Promoting social change: Social work seeks to address the root causes of social
problems and create a more just and equitable society.
• Expanding access to resources and services: Social work advocates for policies and
programs that make it easier for people to access the resources and services they need.
• Protecting the rights of vulnerable populations: Social work works to protect the
rights of vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

1.7 Concept of Fieldwork in Social Work

Fieldwork in social work is an essential component of social work education that provides
students with the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations. It is
a supervised learning experience that allows students to develop the skills and competencies
they need to become effective social workers.

The concept of fieldwork in social work dates back to the late 19th century when the New York
City Charity Organization Society introduced the first field practicum program. Since then,
field education has become an integral part of social work education, and it is now considered
to be the signature pedagogy of the profession.

Fieldwork typically takes place in a variety of social work settings, such as hospitals, clinics,
mental health agencies, child welfare agencies, and community organizations. Students are
typically assigned to a supervisor who provides them with guidance and support as they work
with clients.

The goals of fieldwork are to help students:

• Integrate theoretical knowledge with practice experience: Fieldwork allows students to

see how their classroom knowledge is applied in real-world settings.
• Develop professional skills and competencies: Fieldwork provides students with the
opportunity to practice the skills and competencies they need to become effective social
workers, such as assessment, counseling, and case management.
• Prepare for the challenges of social work practice: Fieldwork helps students develop
the resilience and self-awareness they need to cope with the challenges of social work
practice.

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Fieldwork is a valuable learning experience that helps students develop the skills and
competencies they need to become effective social workers. It is an essential component of
social work education and it plays a critical role in preparing students for the challenges of
social work practice.

1.8 Aims and Objectives of Field Practicum

Here are the aims and objectives of field practicum in social work from Reamer (2006).

Aims of field practicum in social work

The overall aims of field practicum in social work are to:

• Provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-
world situations: Field practicum allows students to see how their theoretical
understanding of social work concepts and principles can be applied to address the
needs of individuals, families, and communities.
• Help students develop the skills and competencies they need to become effective
social workers: Field practicum provides students with the opportunity to practice the
skills and competencies they need to become effective social workers, such as
assessment, counseling, case management, and intervention planning.
• Prepare students for the challenges of social work practice: Field practicum helps
students develop the resilience, self-awareness, and professional identity they need to
cope with the challenges of social work practice.

Objectives of field practicum in social work

The specific objectives of field practicum in social work may vary depending on the specific
program and setting, but they generally include:

• Develop a strong understanding of the social work profession and its values: Field
practicum allows students to observe social workers in action and to gain a firsthand
understanding of the profession's values, ethics, and code of conduct.

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 • Gain proficiency in the use of social work skills and interventions: Field practicum
provides students with the opportunity to practice the skills and interventions they need
to become effective social workers, such as assessment, counseling, case management,
and intervention planning.
• Develop the ability to work effectively with diverse clients and communities: Field
practicum allows students to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and to gain
experience in providing culturally competent services.
• Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Field practicum requires
students to apply their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex
social issues and develop effective interventions.
• Develop professional self-awareness and ethical decision-making skills: Field
practicum provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and to
develop the ethical decision-making skills they need to navigate the challenges of social
work practice.

1.9 Types of Field Practicum

Social work training institutions especially in Bangladesh generally use one of the three forms
of fieldwork, namely:

1. Concurrent
2. Block and
3. Combination of both Concurrent and Block

1.9.1 Concurrent Fieldwork

Concurrent fieldwork is a type of field practicum that occurs simultaneously with classroom
instruction. Students spend two or three days in a week at the field agency and they take classes
for the remaining two or three days of the week. This allows students to immediately apply the
theory they learn in the classroom to practice.

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1.9.2 Block Placement Fieldwork

Block placement fieldwork is a type of field practicum that involves a continuous full-time
engagement of a social work student at a fieldwork agency for a period ranging from at least a
month to one year. This allows students to totally immerse themselves in the field experience
and develop strong relationships with clients.

1.9.3 Combination of Block and Concurrent Fieldwork

This type of field practicum involves a combination of block and concurrent fieldwork.
Students spend some time in block fieldwork and sometime in concurrent fieldwork. This
allows students to experience the benefits of both types of field practicum.

The best type of field practicum depends on individual learning style and preferences. If the
students want to be able to immediately apply the theories, they learn in the classroom to
practice, then concurrent fieldwork may be a good choice. If they want to totally immerse
themselves in the field experience and develop strong relationships with clients, then block
fieldwork may be a better choice. And if they want to experience the benefits of both types of
field practicum, then a combination of block and concurrent fieldwork may be the right choice.

1.10 Importance of Field Practicum in Social Work

Field practicum is an essential component of social work education that plays a crucial role in
preparing students for the challenges and rewards of the profession. It provides students with
the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations, develop essential
skills and competencies, and gain firsthand experience working with diverse clients and
communities.

Here are some of the key reasons why field practicum is so important for social work
students:

• Integration of Theory and Practice: Field practicum allows students to bridge the
gap between theoretical concepts and practical application. They can observe how
social work theories are applied in real-world settings, gain an understanding of the

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 complexities of social issues, and develop the ability to critically analyze and evaluate
interventions.

• Skill Development and Competency Enhancement: Through field practicum,

students gain hands-on experience in applying various social work skills, such as
assessment, counseling, case management, and intervention planning. They learn to
work effectively with individuals, families, and groups, and develop the ability to
communicate effectively, build rapport, and advocate for clients' needs.

• Preparation for Professional Practice: Field practicum provides students with a

realistic preview of the challenges and rewards of social work practice. They
encounter the complexities of working with diverse clients, navigate ethical
dilemmas, and develop the resilience and self-awareness necessary to thrive in a
demanding profession.

• Professional Identity Development: Field practicum contributes to the development

of a strong professional identity for social work students. They gain a deeper
understanding of the profession's values, ethics, and code of conduct, and begin to
identify their own strengths, interests, and career aspirations.

• Culturally Competent Practice: Field practicum exposes students to diverse

cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They learn to appreciate and
respect cultural differences, develop culturally sensitive communication skills, and
gain experience in providing culturally competent services.

In addition to these benefits, field practicum also provides students with the opportunity to
network with professionals in the field, gain valuable feedback on their performance, and
strengthen their resumes. It is a transformative experience that shapes their understanding of
social work and prepares them to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

1.11 My placement of Field practicum

Fieldwork is an essential component of social work education. Every student of social work is
assigned to a full-time job in an approved agency to complete his fieldwork. Students must

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apply the theories; they learned in the classroom to real-world circumstances. To complete their
degree, students must work for 60 working days at an assigned agency.
At the end of our 4th-year 1st semester, a Field Practicum Workshop was held on the Campus
with the participation of BSS & MSS students, different agency officials and teachers of the
Department of Social Work. The department followed a toss system to place the student in
different agencies. And I was placed at Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA), Sylhet under
the supervision of honorable Mr. Krittebas Paul, Assistant Professor, Department of Social
Work, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Mr. Nazmul Hoque, Executive
Director, Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA), Sylhet.

1.12 Assigned Tasks

On the first day of field work a set of tasks were assigned by both my department and agency
supervisor to perform during my field practicum. Those are-
• Making professional relationships (rapport) with the supervisors, clients, staff and
others.
• Maintaining punctuality and daily process record.
• Following values, principles and ethical standards of social work.
• Practicing methods of social work related to these practice settings.
• Applying theoretical knowledge and skills of social work in practical situations.
• Building Community awareness.
• To counsel the inmates.
• Resource mobilization.
• To know about the activities of the agency and direct observation of their work.
• To know about the major goals and objectives of the organization

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 Chapter Two
Introducing Field Practicum Agency

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2.1 Name and Location of the Agency
I was sent at Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA), Sylhet as a social work apprentice
from the Department of Social Work of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology for
60 working days.

Field Practicum Agency: Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA).

Location: House-08, Road-04, Block-A, Shahjalal Upashahar, Sylhet- 3100, Bangladesh.

Working Days: 60 working days (From 06 August, 2023 to 29 November, 2023).

Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA)

House-08, Road-04, Block-A,
Shahjalal Upashahar, Sylhet- 3100, Bangladesh
Tel: +88-02996641328, Cell: +88-01712176667
E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.idea.org.bd

2.2 Introduction to Institute of Development Affairs

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are private, independent, nonprofit, voluntary citizen
groups that advocate for social change and promote people-centered development locally,
nationally, or globally. They raise government issues, lobby for policies, monitor their
implementation, and foster political engagement by spreading information. Some NGOs
address specific issues such as human rights, the environment, or health. They also play a
crucial role in alerting, analyzing, and monitoring international agreements. The nature of their
interactions with UN agencies varies depending on their goals, location, and mission.

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Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA) is a Sylhet-based non-governmental organization
(NGO) founded in 1993. The NGO represents the interests of Northeastern Bangladeshis and
envisions a society free from prejudice and exploitation, where everyone has equal rights and
dignity. IDEA focuses on various areas, including health, education, and governance. Its core
values are inclusivity, integrity, efficacy, creativity, and nonpartisanship.

IDEA started with micro and macro policy research, reform, advocacy, and lobbying. IDEA is
dedicated to empowering marginalized communities by promoting human rights, dignity, and
gender equality through socioeconomic, political, and human capacity building. Through its
advocacy campaigns, IDEA aims to influence policy changes that will reduce poverty and
foster social progress. IDEA's expertise lies in delivering services related to health, water,
sanitation, education, microenterprise development, gender issues, climate change adaptation,
livelihood enhancement, agroforestry development, and biodiversity conservation. To ensure
sustainable service delivery, IDEA has established local service provider groups and organized
local communities to utilize these services effectively. IDEA's development interventions span
across 28 Upazilas in four districts of Sylhet Division and have been implemented in
collaboration with partners in Brahmanbaria, Netrokona, and Kishoreganj districts.

2.3 Legitimacy of the Organization

NGO Affairs Bureau: 1039
Department of Social Service: Syl 357/94
EuropeAid/PADOR: BD-2017-CRY-2410790250
DUNS: 731576117
NCAGE: SYN63
SAM: IDEA/731576117/SYN63

2.4 Vision and Mission of IDEA

Vision
The vision of IDEA is to build a society is free from discrimination and exploitation, where
every citizen has equal opportunity and dignity.

Mission

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IDEA have several missions to bring about some positive changes for society. IDEA work with
the poor and disadvantaged people in order,
• To establish and claim their rights as citizen;
• To build their capacity and confidence for alleviation of poverty, socio-economic
cultural development and resilience to withstand in adverse situation;
• To promote good governance among local institutions and access to resources and
service necessary to fulfill decent lives.

2.5 Core Values of IDEA

To foster a harmonious and collaborative work environment within and beyond the
organization, IDEA's staff will steadfastly uphold the following core values,

• Inclusiveness: IDEA is committed to engage, support and recognize the value of equity
and participation regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, physical or mental
ability and socio-economic status.
• Integrity: Value of responsibility, transparency and accountability in all professional
work, with clear policies and procedures, while displaying the outmost level of honesty
in financial dealings
• Effectiveness: Value of efficiency and excellence in all work, constantly challenging
ourselves to perform better, to meet and exceed program targets, and to improve and
deepen the impact of all interventions.
• Creativity: Value of innovation in designing projects/programs and strives to expose
sub national leadership in groundbreaking development initiatives.
• Nonpartisan: IDEA follows and maintains democratic, secular, gender responsive
policies and practices.

2.6 Program Components of IDEA

• Education and Human Development (SDG-4)
• Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SDGs 3 and 6)
• Livelihood Enhancement (SDGs 1, 2, 8 and 12)
• Environment and Climate Change (SDGs 7, 9, 11, 13 and 14)
• Right and Governance (SDGs 5, 10, 16, and 17)

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2.7 Programming Principles of IDEA
• Compatibility: IDEA undertakes projects/programs which are compatible with their
vision, mission, values and strategies.
• Capacity and Empowerment: IDEA undertakes projects/ programs which address the
improvement of capacity, right and entitlement.
• Partnership and Networking: IDEA work in partnership/networking with other
actor’s i.e. CSO, LNGO, INGO.
• Accountability: IDEA work to strengthen transparency and accountability in all
stakeholders including, civil society and private sector.
• Non-discrimination: IDEA seek to develop process and mechanism to address
discrimination based on race, ethnicity, class, faith, sex, age and physical ability.
• Think-tank: IDEA involves academicians and researchers as advisors in researchers
as advisors in research and dissemination of findings and recommendations.
• Impact: IDEA seek implement projects/programs whose impact on wellbeing of the
life of the poor and disadvantaged.

2.8 Operational Scale of IDEA

IDEA has been operating its activities mainly in the districts surrounding Haor in the
northeastern part of Bangladesh. Current geographical area of coverage of IDEA includes,

• Sylhet;
• Sunamganj;
• Habiganj;
• Moulvibazar;
• Brahmanbaria.

2.9 Development Approaches of IDEA

IDEA, established in 1993, is driven by a vision of fostering positive and enduring changes
within communities across Bangladesh. Guided by the principles of innovation, development,
and empowerment, IDEA tackles a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges

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to enhance the well-being of marginalized populations. The development approaches of this
organization include,

• Needs Assessment and Contextual Understanding: IDEA's approach is rooted in

community engagement and needs assessment, ensuring that their interventions are
relevant and impactful.
• Holistic Development: IDEA adopts a holistic approach to development, tackling
social, economic, and environmental issues together for sustainable solutions.
• Empowerment and Capacity Building: IDEA empowers individuals and
communities to take control of their development through capacity-building programs.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Understanding the power of collaboration to
amplify impact, IDEA actively cultivates partnerships with local governments, fellow
NGOs, businesses, and international agencies. Through these strategic alliances, IDEA
optimizes resource utilization, fosters knowledge exchange, and co-creates solutions
that are both scalable and sustainable.
• Innovation and Technology: IDEA adopts innovative technologies to enhance its
operations and project outcomes. It employs digital tools for data collection and
incorporates renewable energy solutions, demonstrating its commitment to
technological advancement and efficiency.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Beyond implementing projects on the ground, IDEA
advocates for policy reforms and raises awareness about pressing social and
environmental concerns. The organization employs diverse channels, including social
media campaigns, public events, and lobbying efforts, to amplify its impact and
catalyze systemic change.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: IDEA emphasizes evidence-based decision-
making and continuously evaluates its projects to enhance effectiveness. This
approach ensures adaptability and maximizes the organization's impact.
• Long-term Engagement: To effectively serve the communities it supports, IDEA
cultivates long-term relationships, enabling it to grasp evolving needs and tailor its
interventions accordingly.

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2.10 Organogram of IDEA

Figure 1: Organogram of IDEA

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2.11 Ongoing Projects of IDEA
• Non-formal primary education.
• IDEA health Care Center.
• Income generating of adolescent girls from ultra poor families.
• WASH for Tea Garden workers in hard-to-reach area.
• WASH for people from Haor area.
• ALOY-ALOW.
• Advancing Women’s Right to Information in Bangladesh.
• Enhancing Child Education for Tea Garden Area.
• Community Development Support Project (CDS).
• Environment Friendly Clay Collection.
• Police Engagement Approach to Counter Terrorism (PEACE).

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 Chapter Three
Application of Social Work Knowledge

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3.1 Social Work Practice with Group
Social work practice with groups is a basic method of social work intervention that involves
working with people in groups to address their social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Group
work can be a powerful tool for change, as it allows individuals to connect with others who
shares similar experience, learn from and support each other’s and develop new skills and
coping mechanism. Group work is distinguished by its goal, expected results, techniques, and
emphasis on mutual influence. In social group work, tasks and assessments are completed
simultaneously in a collaborative learning setting. Overall, social work practice with group is
a valuable tool for helping individuals and families to improve their lives.

3.1.1 Group Work- 01

Introduction to the Group

Every year over 1,500 students get admitted in Shahjalal University of Science and
Technology, Sylhet. Most of the students come from distant districts to study here. But there
is scarcity of residential facilities at halls. A part of new students can manage accommodation
in various messes adjacent to the university area, but the rest have to stay in the residential
halls. Including insufficient number of seats in residential halls, new students face various
difficulties at the beginning to their university life. For example, two students sharing a single
bed, inability to adapt to new environment, disappointment at not being qualify to study in the
preferred university or subject, missing family members and peer groups, facing financial
crisis, etc.

Though I also stay at a residential hall, some new student came to me to share their socio-
emotional problems. After observing their problem, I discussed about this matter with my
faculty supervisor as well as agency supervisor and I wanted to work with them. They permitted
me to conduct social work practice with group with those students.

Formation of the Group

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One of the key issues in social group work practice is to form group, based on common
problems, common interests and common goals. I have also followed to these issues in my
group work practice. I have formed the group with 10 students of 1st year 1st semester who
have some common problems. I also tried to follow planned group formation of social group
work while forming this group.

At first, I introduced them with each other and built rapport with them and came to know about
their problem. I learnt about the challenges they are facing to cope with new environment at
residential hall from them. Then I formed a group to practice group work. I created a group on
the basis of their common problem.

Selection of the Group Leader

Selecting a leader for a social group is a crucial step in ensuring its success and achieving its
goals. The right leader can foster a positive and productive environment, encourage
participation, and motivate members to achieve their full potential. Considering all these facts,
I ask the group members to select the group leader in a democratic way. They selected Limon
as their group leader by voting. As a leader Limon has the responsibility to organize the group
and to coordinate their effort. He also helps them to meet the need of the group as well as plan
program also minimize external conflict within group.

List of Group Members

Serial No. Name Status Age

1 MD. Limon Group Leader 19

2 Asaduzzaman Akanda Group Member 20

3 Adittya Chowdhury Group Member 19

4 Ridwan Ahmed Group Member 19

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 5 MD. Sanwar Group Member 20

6 Jahidul Islam Group Member 20

7 Irfan Mahin Group Member 21

8 Nahid Hasan Group Member 20

9 Azim Uddin Group Member 21

10 Nasir Group Member 19

Rationality of Group Selection

The main task of a social group worker is to form groups based on common problems and
interests. There are many reasons to select this group for social group work practice. Every
one of them are suffering mental issues. Many of them are living far from the home for the fast
of their life. They can’t adopt to the new reality of life. Some of them are disappointed with
their admission test result. The reason I practice group work with them is because I want to
bring about positive change in them and I think they also have a strong will to change.

The Problems

It was my responsibility as social group worker to identify the problems of the group members.
I studied the group through questioning, observations, and group meetings. After conducting
the study, I find out some problems of the group. These are stated below:

• They can’t cope up with new environment;

• They don’t know much about university mechanism;
• Sharing a bed in residential hall is new to them;
• They are worried about their future career according to their subject;
• Some of them facing financial crisis;
• They often feel insecure.

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Objective of the Group Work

Considering the needs of the group members I set up some objectives for this group. They are
as follows:

• To provide counseling to the group to modify their thought process;

• To motivate the group to modify their thought about self;
• To change their insight of life and make them optimistic;
• To get them out of their negative self-thought;
• To identify the resources and motivate them to use these in a good way.

Analysis of Group Problem under Theory

Attachment Theory by John Bowlby

Attachment theory is a psychological theory developed by British psychologist John Bowlby

that explains how humans form emotional bonds with others, particularly in the context of close
relationships. It focuses on the crucial role of early caregiver-child interactions in shaping an
individual's attachment style, which influences their behavior and emotional well-being
throughout life. Attachment can have a significant impact on an individual's behavior and
relationships throughout life. Securely attached individuals tend to have healthy self-esteem,
feel comfortable with intimacy, and are able to form strong, supportive relationships.
Conversely, individuals with insecure attachment styles may experience difficulties with trust,
intimacy, and emotional regulation, which can lead to problems in their personal and
professional lives.

The common problem of the group was they are far from home for the first time, they can’t
cope up with the new environment, and they often feel insecure. These problems can be solved
through applying Attachment theory. Here is the process that I applied to solve the problems
of the group.

• Clearly define the issue or problem impacting the group.

• Consider the context and how it relates to individual and group attachment styles.

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 • Encourage open communication and self-reflection to identify individual attachment
styles within the group.
• Consider using tools like questionnaires or assessments, but prioritize open dialogue
and self-awareness
• Encourage open and honest communication, active listening, and empathy.
• Promote a sense of safety and trust by offering support and understanding.
• Practice collaborative decision-making and shared responsibility.
• Establish clear rules and expectations for communication, behavior, and conflict
resolution.
• Ensure everyone feels respected and valued regardless of their attachment style.
• Encourage group members to take responsibility for their own communication and
emotions.
• Acknowledge the group's efforts in building a more secure and supportive environment.
• Engaging the members with several resources in the university. Such as, counselor of
university, student advisor, proctor etc.
• Providing knowledge about academic skill and career.
• Engaging the members in mental health related seminar.

Follow-up

After completing group work tasks, I observe the group. I observe a significant shift in their
behavior. There have been some positive changes in them. For example, taking care of each
other’s, being confident on self, coping with new environment, managing tuition for earning,
being a mental support for others, connecting with resources such as, counselor of university,
student advisor, proctor etc.

The follow-up process would be more impactful if there was enough time. It takes time and
effort to change attachment patterns and build a more secure group dynamic.

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3.2 Socia Work Practice with Community
Community development stands as a cornerstone of social work, empowering individuals and
fostering collective action. This method shifts the focus beyond individual cases, addressing
systemic issues by engaging communities in identifying their needs and mobilizing their own
resources. Social workers act as facilitators, building trust and skills, fostering collaboration,
and guiding communities through strategic planning and implementation of solutions. Whether
tackling economic disparities, improving education access, or enhancing the environment,
community development empowers individuals, strengthens social bonds, and creates lasting,
positive change, making it a powerful and fundamental approach in social work practice.

3.2.1 Building Community Health Awareness

Introduction to the Community

In September, 2023 I visited Rowail, Jagannathpur, Sunamganj in a field trip. There I’ve stayed
about 1 week. This village is very underdeveloped compared to other areas of Bangladesh. The
education rate is very low in this village. People of this village are economically vulnerable.
Moreover, the village is very backward in terms of medical and transportation facilities.
Currently IDEA is running an informal school and a health care center in this village. The
health care center is providing low-cost health care to the people of the village.

After observing the community, I found the people of this community has many health risks.
Considering this matter, I discussed with my faculty supervisor as well as agency supervisor
and I wanted to conduct community awareness building program. They permitted me to
conduct community awareness building program with this community.

Rationality of Community Selection

Community development practice hinges on the selection of appropriate communities for

intervention. Community development is significant to ensure efficient use of resources,
maximize program impact, and achieve sustainable social change. Community developer can
optimize resource allocation, maximize program effectiveness, and ensure their interventions
truly address the needs of the communities they serve.

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The people of this village are not aware about their health risks. A significant part of the
children of the informal school is suffering malnutrition. The people of this village chew betel
leaves excessively. Whis increase their health risk. Parents in this village are unaware of their
children’s health. Most of the children are underweight in this village. I wanted to bring a
positive change in this community so that the people become aware about their health risks and
utilize the health care center as community resource.

The Problems

The people of the community have many health risks including,

• Malnutrition;
• Underweight;
• Anemia;
• Unhealthy lifestyle;
• Lack of health awareness.

Objective of the Program

Considering the needs of the community I set up some objectives for the health awareness
building program. They are as follows:

• Making people aware about their health risks;

• To educate them healthy diet;
• To connect them with the IDEA’s Heath Care Center;
• To increase health awareness;
• To encourage healthy lifestyle.

Process of Community Heath Awareness Building Program at Rowail

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After identifying community health risks, I contacted IDEA’s primary school teachers. I
discussed about the program with them and request t call a parents meeting. Parents of the
school students gather on school on certain days. Moreover, I also contacted with Doctor MD.
Mirazur Rahman Miraz about this program. He assures me of cooperation in this work.

At first, I discussed the importance of health awareness with the parents and highlight the
consequence of not avoiding health risks. Then staffs of the Health Care Center measured the
weight of the parents and their children. It found that most of the children were underweight
according to BMI and so were many of the mothers.

Few later, Dr. Miraz came into the meeting room. He presented a detailed discussion about the
health risks and behaviors of this community. Though the people of this community are mostly
economically vulnerable, he suggested many healthy diets at low of cost. He also discussed
how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, healthy behavior during pregnancy period, what behavior
should be avoided.

In the final part of the program, Dr. Miraz gave various health related advices and answers to
questions from the audience.

3.2.2 Advancing Women’s Right to Information in Bangladesh

Introduction to the Community

The Right to Information Act, 2009 (RTI Act) is a landmark piece of legislation in Bangladesh
that empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities. Enacted in 2009, the
Act grants every citizen the right to request information from any public authority, including
government ministries, departments, agencies, local bodies, and state-owned corporations.

Although the law was enacted in 2009, most of the people in this country still don’t know how
to apply this law to collect information. Especially rural women are the most backward in
practicing this law. IDEA is implementing the Advancing Women’s Right to Information in
Bangladesh project in Sylhet with the Support of The Carter Center and USAID. Which will
work to ensure women’s right to information and improve the quality of life through it. Under
this project I went to Towakul Union, Goainghat Upazila of Sylhet with the team of IDEA. I

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work with the IDEA’s team to establish women’s right to information in local communities
there.

Rationality of the Project

Right to Information Act (2009) empowers citizens to access information from governmental
and non-governmental agencies, promoting transparency, anti-corruption, and accountable
governance. In spite of significance of this law, a significant part of the population doesn’t
know it’s necessity and how to apply their right to information. The Right to Information Act-
2009 shines a light on government, empowering citizens to be active participants in a
transparent and accountable democracy. By granting access to information, it fosters citizen
engagement, improves decision-making, and combats corruption, ultimately strengthening the
democratic process. I was engaged in Advancing Women’s Right to Information in Bangladesh
project with IDEA’s team at Towakul, Goainghat, Sylhet.

Objective of the Project

The primary objective of this project was to increase awareness among the rural women about
the Right to Information Act 2009 and its importance in promoting transparency and
accountability. The specific objectives were as follows:

• Informing rural women about the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009;
• Educating them about the process of submitting information requests;
• Raising awareness about the benefits of exercising the Right to Information;
• Promoting economic empowerment of rural women through right to information.

My Activities under this Project

I had participated in several activities during this project. Such as,

• Inception meeting at District Commissioner’s office at Sylhet about the project of

Advancing Women’s Right to Information in Bangladesh.
• Advocacy meeting at Towakul Union Parishad, Goainghat, Sylhet;
• Community mapping;
• Several yard meeting at village communities of Towakul Union Parishad;
• Formation of group in 4 village. Each group contains 10-12 female members.

Due to time boundary of my field work, I couldn’t engage with farther activities under this
project.

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3.3 Social Action
Social action, while not the basic method of social worker, serves as an impactful auxiliary
method to address systemic social issues. It's the collective roar against the whispers of
individual cases, mobilizing communities to address problems rooted in inequality and
injustice. Whether advocating for policy changes, raising awareness about forgotten issues, or
sparking movements for social progress, social action empowers individuals to become agents
of change. Though often an auxiliary method, social action plays a crucial role in the pursuit
of a just and equitable society, reminding us that social work extends beyond individual cases,
reaching towards a collective transformation.

3.3.1 Social Action against Mental Health Problems

Introduction

Amidst the lively chaos of the university campuses of Bangladesh, a silent storm blow. This is
not a storm of protest or political frenzy, but of an insidious kind – a storm of mental health
struggle that silently paralyzes the halls to nurture student minds. Anxiety, depression, stress
and other mental health issues are no longer whispers in the corridors, but a growing epidemic
that demands immediate attention. Considering this issue, I’ve highlighted the acute reality of
mental health on Shahjalal University of Science and Technology campus, shed light on the
causes of this crisis and highlight the urgent need for social action. I recognized the unique
struggles of a generation caught between societal pressures, academic stress, and a rapidly
evolving world. So, I’ve conducted a collective action to create a web of support, understanding
and proactive action to combat this hidden epidemic.

Rationality of Social Action

The rationality of social action against mental health problems on university campus is
paramount. Ignoring this crisis carries detrimental consequences for students, the university,
and society at large. Untreated mental health issues can lead to academic decline, social

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isolation, and even self-harm. They hamper the university's ability to nurture well-rounded
graduates and contribute meaningfully to national development. Furthermore, ignoring mental
health perpetuates stigma and hinders open dialogue, impeding progress towards a healthier
and more productive future. Social action tackles these issues head-on, promoting awareness,
building support systems, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.

Objectives of the Social Action

The objectives of social action against mental health problems were,

• Raising awareness and reducing stigma;

• Improving access to care and resources;
• Building supportive communities;
• Promoting preventative measures;
• Influencing policy and legislation.

Activities under this Social Action

I’ve applied my social work knowledge to conduct social action against mental health problem
and done several activities on the follows,

• I’ve followed popular social action and mobilized students of Shahjalal University of
Science and Technology addressing this issue.
• I’ve tried to build awareness among students of this university about mental health.
• To conduct this social action I’ve collaborated with Unity Bangladesh, Shahjalal
Mental Health and Research Center, and concerned authority of SUST.
• I’ve arranged a seminar on World Mental Health Day, 10th October titled “Stress into
Strength” at mini-auditorium of SUST.

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Chapter Four
Self-Evaluation

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4.1 My Experiences as an Intern Social Worker
My experience as a social work intern at the Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA) allowed
me to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Through field work, I gained
valuable hands-on experience and developed essential skills. However, I also encountered
certain limitations during my internship.

I worked at IDEA for a short period of sixty working days as an intern social worker and gained
a lot of experience from it. Social work is a practice-based profession. So, a social worker needs
to acquire knowledge about the nature of human behavior, social relations, cultural values,
environment etc. from the real world. Field work is one place where a social work student can
apply his classroom knowledge into practice. The practice of field work helps to make the
connection between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. During this short period
of sixty (60) working days I worked under Mr. Nazim Ahmed, Assistant Director (Programme)
of IDEA; He was appointed by my agency supervisor and Executive Director of IDEA, Mr.
Nazmul Haque.

Mr. Nazim Ahmed, Assistant Director (Programme) of IDEA was my instructor during field
practicum. Theory alone cannot provide such knowledge to the worker inside the classroom or
in the library. Practical experience is required along with theory to carry out the duties
perfectly. I learned and gained a lot of experience and developed my skills in some areas of
social work during my field work period. It was a wonderful experience to complete internship
under an organization like IDEA.

4.2 My Achieved Experiences during Fieldwork

Social work field work gives a student the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge
learned in the classroom into practice. I have gathered a lot of experience during my fieldwork.
It is an opportunity for me to interact and put academic knowledge into field practice. I meet
different people, groups and communities. I learned a lot from them. During the fieldwork, I
tried my best to perform effectively, sincerely. Here are some of experiences I’ve gained during
field practice.

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 • My field practice has taught me to apply theoretical knowledge in the field. I have
gained experience and practical knowledge about management, duties, responsibilities,
official manners etc.
• I gained experience on how to adjust to a new and official environment and how to
work with the staff of an agency.
• I gained experience performing office duties under the guidance of a supervisor.
• I processed all my records as a document as my assigned task and I did it regularly. So,
I became more proficient in writing process records, reports, and presentations etc.
• I have acquired experience of working with groups and communities.
• I have gathered experience of applying social work methods, strategies, and skills to
solve or minimize the problems of groups and communities.
• I have acquired the experience of establishing rapport.
• I have got to know the problems and challenges that the tea workers and the
marginalized communities of our country are living with.
• I have tried to solve problem of a community at Rowail, Jagannathpur, Sunamganj.
• I hope my community organization efforts will make the women and children used to
healthy lifestyle.
• I have tried to solve mental health related problems of a group of students at Shahjalal
University of Science and Technology, Sylhet.
• I hope those students are now confident on their mental health.
• I felt the importance of professional social work in Bangladesh.
• I have learned how to arrange a meeting and program.

4.3 Acquired Knowledge and Skills During Fiend Practicum

During my sixty working days of field practicum at the Institute of Development Affairs
(IDEA), Sylhet, I gained many skills. Some of them are given below:

Professional Relationship (Rapport) Building Skills

As a student of social work, I wanted to build relationships with my clients. I have acquired
professional relationship building skills while working with clients.

Communication Skills

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It is important to communicate effectively with clients using communication skills to solve
client problems. I have acquired communication skills.

Observation Skills

I acquired observation skills during fieldwork.

Skill in Conducting Interviews

I followed some interview techniques that I learned from my previous theoretical courses and
experiences. I had some productive meetings with my clients and other staff at the agency.
During the interview I followed some principles of social work.

Management Skills

By working at IDEA, Sylhet, I have acquired many skills in handling office duties, arranging
programs, conducting meetings and maintaining professional relations with agency staff.

Skills Related to Social Work Practice

I have acquired skills related to social work practice with groups and communities. For
example, forming a group, securing confidentiality, self-control on emotion, resource
utilization, etc.

Collaboration Skills

I learned how to negotiate, compromise and coordinate with others to complete a task
successfully.

Active Listening Skills

For social workers, active listening is a vehicle for establishing trust and respect with clients.
Active listening shows that one is engaged in the conversation and truly cares about listening
to the other person. This skill helps me build trust, making it easier for me to discover details
about my clients.

Critical Thinking Skills

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Critical thinking skills are fundamental in social work practice. After identifying the nature of
problems experienced by clients, I use critical and creative thinking to develop practical
solutions. I use logic, analysis and creativity to identify the strengths and weaknesses of
different approaches and find a solution for the community.

Organizational Skills

Good organizational skills allow social workers to stay on top of their clients' needs and ensure
that nothing "falls through the cracks." I learned organizational skills while working at IDEA.

Time Management Skills

Related to organizational skills, I have solid time-management practices. Because social

workers juggle multiple case and administrative responsibilities simultaneously, they must
manage their time effectively to ensure all clients receive the care, attention, and services they
need.

Empathy and Sympathy skills

Empathy is imagining yourself in someone else's situation and understanding what that person
is feeling. This ability is essential in social work. I learned how to empathize and empathize
with vulnerable communities. It helps me build strong relationships with them and determine
their needs.

Cultural Competency Skills

Social workers must be respectful and responsive to cultural beliefs and practices in order to
work effectively with clients of diverse backgrounds. A non-judgmental attitude and
appreciation for diversity and the value of individual differences enable the social worker to
provide clients with what they need.

4.4 My Limitations During Field Practicum

During my fieldwork as a social worker, I have attempted my best to perform sincerely,
honestly, effectively. I have completed some of my selected tasks. Though I worked my level
best but above it I found some limitations from my side. As a trainee social worker my
limitations during field work are given below:

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• I was unable to identify any casework.
• I was unable to conduct the counseling process correctly as I am not a professional
counselor/social worker yet.
• I could not communicate with all the participants of group work properly as I had to
conduct the group work outside of my agency.
• I've worked on a variety of projects during my fieldwork. However, I was unable to
gain in-depth information about all of them.
• Due of time constraints, I was unable to use all of the methods, principles, models,
theories, and viewpoints of social work in my field work.
• I was occasionally late at office and sometimes I had to leave office before 05:30 p.m.
with permission from my agency supervisor.
• Many projects of IDEA are far from Sylhet; therefore, I couldn't take part on many
projects.
• I couldn't follow up the community, because it was far distant from Sylhet.
• I couldn't follow up the progress of the group properly because of limited time period.
• Due to political instability in the country, I couldn’t make proper use of the last days of
fieldwork.
• Due to time boundary of the field work, I couldn’t engage with farther activities under
the Advancing Women’s Right to Information project.

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 Chapter Five
Evaluation of The Agency

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5.1 Scope of Social Work practice at IDEA
There is no formal school for social work in our country but there are opportunities for practical
experience with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Social work trainees must apply
their academic knowledge to real-world situations. Such opportunities are available from
various NGOs and GOs. In terms of professional social work practice, IDEA has a promising
future. Professional social work can be done in the following sectors of IDEA:

• IDEA's fundamental premise is the well-being of human. There, a student will learn
how to ensure well-being of people.
• A significant number of IDEA's beneficiaries require psychological assistance, which
can be provided by a social worker.
• IDEA intervenes on environmental preservation, climate change, food security, gender
equality, human rights, social justice and democracy. Social workers can play a vital
role on these issues.
• The social worker can have a role in IDEA as a resource mobilizer.
• As an administrator, a professional social worker may work at IDEA to foster its
governance and services.
• Conducting Casework, group work, community development, community
organization, social action, and social work research are possible at IDEA.

5.2 Strengths of the Agency

IDEA is dedicated to promote good governance in areas such as gender equality and women's
empowerment, environmental protection, non-formal primary education, livelihood
development and food security, entrepreneurship development, disability, democracy, primary
health care and access to water, sanitation and hygiene.

When I was working at IDEA I found many progressive views of IDEA, which I consider to
be a positive site for the organization. Followings are the positive sites of IDEA as a non-
governmental and non-profit organization.

• IDEA's employees maintain a professional, courteous, helpful, and easy relationship.

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 • It focuses on the most vulnerable and underserved communities.
• IDEA is a very organized organization.
• There is a good working atmosphere at the office.
• IDEA takes the best interests of its employees into account. Which encourages its
employees to work more comfortably.
• IDEA was free of red tapism.
• When it comes to recreation, IDEA always has something to offer.
• One of IDEA's best qualities is its employees' punctuality.
• A semi-library is kept at the office of IDEA as a resource for learning.
• To me, "JIBIKA" is one of the finest projects of IDEA for reversing the status of
disadvantaged communities.
• The PEACE initiative may provide a social safety net and assist the police to reduce
crime.
• The AWRAIB initiative may play a significant role in women empowerment in Sylhet
district.

5.3 Limitation of the Agency

When I worked at IDEA, there were certain elements that I found needed to be resolved. Such
as,

• There is a relatively tiny coverage area for the organization (only in northeastern part
of Bangladesh)
• The organization does not pay the intern an honorarium.
• Donor funding is a problem for IDEA. Sometimes they need to terminate a project if
the donor stops providing fund.
• This organization needs more skilled staffs to function more effectively.
• As the construction of the office building is going on, there is not enough room in the
office and there is also sound pollution outside of present building. It may disturb the
employees working effectively and comfortably.
• The organization has a few sources of internal revenue.

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5.4 Recommendation
During my fieldwork, I have observed the activities of IDEA and I found very few limitations
of this organization. So, to overcome the limitations and for the best outcome of the agency,
there are some following recommendations:

• IDEA should expand its operating area to include other regions of country.
• Publicity is required to make people know about the services of this agency.
• Agency should increase training opportunities for the staffs in technical field, human
behavior, counseling, human needs, and other psychological elements of human
behavior in order to better serve the communities.
• In order to reduce dependency on the donor, IDEA must set up revenue-generating
activities.
• A series of awareness programs could be arranged with the local people in Rowail. It
will promote the healthcare services of IDEA.
• To ensure that beneficiaries of healthcare center at Rowail receive timely assistance,
more staffs should be appointed.
• There is a lack of manpower in the agency with the social work background. So, this
agency should recruit some personnel who have a social work background.
• Follow-up process should be strengthened to ensure sustainability of implemented
projects.

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Conclusion
Field Practicum is a dynamic course that requires students to apply their social work
knowledge, skills, and beliefs in an organizational setting. It is an important aspect of social
work education for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Social work is a profession that
works for the betterment of society. It not only deals with theoretical but also practical and
professional. Social work practice and theory work alongside each other and are inseparable;
One does not dominate the other. It is a successful application of theoretical knowledge that
relies heavily on fieldwork practice. Social workers must study the scientific principles of
human behavior and the structure and organization of social institutions. They need to develop
their own knowledge and skills to work with people in specific social, economic and
psychological situations.

As a graduate student of Social Work, I did my fieldwork at the Institute of Development

Affairs, Sylhet. I tried to practice social work with groups and communities. I have gathered a
lot of valuable experience and knowledge from working with IDEA. In some cases, I succeeded
and sometimes failed because of some problems related to my limitations and unavoidable
circumstances. But I tried my best to fulfill my duties and responsibilities properly. Ultimately,
I hope IDEA's journey is successful and more organizations like IDEA come forward to
establish the importance of social work practice in Bangladesh. Moreover, I hope IDEA will
be a leading service provider in the community development sector.

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Reference
Trattner, Walter I., and Edith Wittman. Social Work: An Introduction to Social Work and Social
Welfare. Columbia University Press, 2004.

Friedlander, W. A. (2008). A history of social work education. Columbia University Press.

Reamer, F. G. (2006). Social work practice: A strengths-based approach. Cengage Learning.

Friedlander, W. A. (1976). Concepts and Methods of Social Work. Prentice Hall Professional.

Payne, M. (2014). Modern social work theory. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Shefor, et. al, (2011). Techniques and Guidelines for Social Work Practice.

https://www.dss.gov.bd

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Appendix

Figure 1: At LaFarge Holcim Bangladesh Ltd with IDEA’s Team.

Figure 2: Group Work Meeting at SUST.

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 Figure 3: Inception Meeting at Sylhet DC office about AWRTI Project.

Figure 4: Community Health Awareness Building Program at Rowail, Sunamganj.

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 Figure 5: Social Action against Mental Health Problem.

Figure 6: At the Seminer of Stress into Strength on World Mental Health Day, 2023.

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 Figure 7: Visiting Tea Garden Community a Moulvibazar.

Figure 8: Discussing about Socioeconomic Condition of Tea Worker.

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 Figure 9: At the Youth Fair of PEACE Project.

Figure 10: Community Health Care Center of IDEA in Rowail, Sunamganj.

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