Statement of Program Aim
As Chitereka rightly puts it “Africa is a continent in great need and social workers, being helping professionals who seek to liberate and empower people, should be at the forefront of finding solutions to these problems”(Chitereka 2009). The Pan African Institute for Development presents a Bachelor of Science in Development Studies witih specialisation in Social work that prepares students for wide entry into multidisciplinary development sectors like government departments of social welfare, hospitals, correctional services, police and defense forces, councils, war torn zones, conflicts, emergency and humanitarian services. This program (Social work) therefore adopts a multidisciplinary approach to effectively train students for a wide variety of professional jobs and services in their community and society out-large. Graduates can pursue a wide array of educational pathways available for their career. Students are expected to cover a minimum 180 – 240 ECTS over a period of 3 years.
Main Objective
The social work profession’s core mandates include promoting social change, social development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people in the African continent. The main objective of the Bachelor in Social work is to blend professional practice and theoretical frameworks that recognizes the interconnected historical, socio-economic, cultural, spatial, political and personal factors that serve as opportunities and/or barriers to human wellbeing and development in the African society.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the Social work program, participants are expected to acquire skills and expertise to - work with vulnerable groups in complex humanitarian settings - promote professional social work practice in their local and national levels of operations - gain appropriate knowledge to reduce human rights violation, child labor and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. - promote social development as a key strategy in self- reliance and poverty reduction - identify and develop concrete project proposals relevant in the profession
Program Duration
The Bachelor of Social work runs for three years. Lecture hours are sandwiched with tutorials, practicals and field placement/internship. Students are also permitted to integrate at different levels depending on the validity of their certificates and diploma at the point of entry.
Target Audience
This program targets development experts, civil servants, medical practitioners, psychologist, lawyers, sociologist, anthropologist, divisional and municipal delegates, heads of social services, Aid and Relief agencies, NGOs and Humanitarian workers.
Career Opportunities
According to the Global Agenda for Social work and Social development, career opportunities intend to focus in the following areas
- Promoting social and economic equalities
- Promoting the dignity and worth of peoples
- Working toward environmental sustainability
- Strengthening recognition of the importance of human relationships
Graduates with BSc in Social work are therefore exposed to a wide range of opportunities in government institutions, private organisations, international agencies, development institutions, consultancy and project managers in municipal councils/local governments. Social workers are diverse therefore can work anywhere depending on the nature of their specialization and job description. The most recent is to encourage students work in relief and disaster situations.
Program Structure
Courses are designed for full-time.