The subject group Social Work at the North-West University (NWU) is preparing to host the highly anticipated Student Social Work Conference 2024. Scheduled to take place on 25 October 2024, the conference will carry the theme "Strengthening Foundations for Social Work's Critical Challenges".
The conference will take place from 08:00 until 16:00 on all three campuses and is linked to the BSWP471 module. It is a key part of the assessment and is expected to draw around 80 delegates, including partners, supervisors, stakeholders and students.
Dr Lucé Pretorius, subject group deputy leader and Social Work lecturer at the Vanderbijlpark Campus and one of the coordinators, emphasised the significance of the event, stating that students conducting their block practicum at various departments and organisations will be presenting the projects they have implemented.
"This exclusive event is open only to invited guests and is an important part of the practical module assessment, allowing final-year Social Work students to present the projects they have developed and implemented during their block practicums. Since our students are located across South Africa, we host the events on different campuses to accommodate the stakeholders. However, we follow a coordinated programme and offer a similar experience on the day," she explained.
The conference will feature Merelda Bachiri, a renowned life coach and counsellor. She promises to be an additional highlight of the day. The keynote speakers will vary between the campuses. Dr Pieter Boshoff, a lecturer at the NWU, will be the coordinator on the Potchefstroom Campus and will also be the overall module coordinator. Tsholo Shophi, another lecturer, will be a coordinator on the Mahikeng Campus.
Dr Pretorius highlighted the value of the event for networking, scouting future professionals, and reconnecting with colleagues.
"Anticipation is building for a day of insightful presentations, meaningful connections and valuable discussions in the field of social work," said Dr Pretorius.
