The North-West University's (NWU’s) subject group Social Work’s annual conference once again highlighted the achievements of fourth-year social work students, according to their block practicum experiences.
The event brought together students, academics, South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) members and practice supervisors for a day of presentations, learning and inspiration.
The theme, "Strengthening foundations for social work’s critical challenges", encapsulated the mission of fostering resilient, well-prepared social work practitioners equipped to tackle the complexities of the field.
The conference provided a platform for students to showcase their community work projects completed during their block practicum. During this time, students worked alongside experienced professionals in social work organisations across Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark and neighbouring regions. This hands-on experience allowed students to engage with diverse community issues, apply their theoretical knowledge, and to gain exposure to real-world challenges.
According to students, these fieldwork experiences were instrumental in bridging the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. Working in various settings exposed them to the intricate dynamics of social work, building their confidence as emerging practitioners. “The practicum really showed me the impact that well-structured, informed social work can have on individuals and communities,” shared one student. “I feel more prepared to enter the profession and contribute meaningfully.”
The conference was hosted simultaneously across all three NWU campuses, which allowed for a broader exchange of ideas and best practices among students and faculty members.
The event was organised through the collaborative efforts of module coordinators Prof Pieter Boshoff, Dr Lucé Pretorius and Tsholofelo Shophi, who played a crucial role in coordinating the conference logistics across the three campuses, ensuring a smooth and impactful experience for all participants. With each campus presenting community work projects unique to their regional focus, attendees gained insight into the diverse challenges and solutions tailored to different South African communities.
The conference featured guest speakers, each offering expertise on the pressing challenges facing social work in South Africa. Their discussions emphasised the importance of foundational skills and critical thinking in social work practice. Topics ranged from addressing the impact of socioeconomic factors on vulnerable populations, to exploring innovative methods for community intervention.
Practice supervisors from partner organisations also attended, sharing insights from their work with students during the block practicum. Their presence underscored the significance of collaboration between academia and professional practice in preparing students for the social work field.
Dr Pretorius said these presentations inspired students, providing them with a broader understanding of their future roles and the critical issues they will face in practice.
The other attendees at the conference expressed their pride in the students' accomplishments and the university's commitment to fostering competent, compassionate social workers.
The day concluded with a shared understanding of the value of practical experience in social work education.
"By applying theory to real-world challenges, students gain not only the confidence needed to transition into professional roles, but also the critical thinking skills required to address complex social issues effectively. The conference proved to be a vital component of the NWU’s commitment to training future social workers who are ready to contribute to the betterment of South African society," said Dr Pretorious.
