Abstract: Submission #74

Abstract This presentation reports on meanings student social workers attach to the concepts of culture, cultural identity and decolonisation. Utilising the framework of the Active Force of Currere, the aim was to explore 1) their perceptions and experiences of the concepts, 2) how past experiences influence present understanding on a personal and professional level, and 3) to develop a collective description of these concepts. A qualitative approach was followed, utilising the phenomenological research design. A purposive sampling strategy was implemented to access participants from the population of registered student social workers at the UWC. Data was collected through World Café focus groups, followed by thematic data analysis. Voluntary participation, confidentiality and the management of data guided ethical practice. The findings reflect aspects that influence the participants’ understanding as well as their shared definition of the concepts as a contribution to decolonised education; including lived experiences, perceptions and understandings in curricula.