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269 submissions
| # Sort descending | Operations | Status | Status | Title | Lastname | Firstname | Institution | Title of Presentatation | Theme Selection | Abstract | SID | |
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| 1 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Makhanya | Thembelihle brenda | Thembelihle.Makhanya@ump.ac.za | Mpumalanga university | The Discourse of Climate Change Disasters and the Implications for Green Social work: The Lived Experiences of Floods Survivors in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters driven by climate change presents profound threats to vulnerable populations, demanding urgent and contextually relevant responses from the social work profession. Guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Theory and principles of green social work, this qualitative study explores the lived experiences of 23 flood survivors from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province, two South African regions severely affected by climate-related disasters in 2022 and 2024. The primary objective of the study is to explore the psychosocial and material impacts of climate-induced disasters on survivors, identify their coping strategies, and assess the implications for social work practice and education. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals who had been directly impacted by severe flooding events. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and meanings within the survivors’ narratives. Findings reveal the devastating impact of environmental disasters on emotional wellbeing, housing, livelihoods, and community stability. Survivors described experiences of trauma, displacement, and economic insecurity, alongside resilience practices rooted in social networks and cultural knowledge. The study highlights a critical gap in the current social work response and advocates for the urgent realignment of social work education and practice to integrate ecological justice, trauma-informed care, disaster preparedness, and culturally sensitive interventions. It calls for a paradigm shift in the profession to respond effectively to the lived realities of those affected by climate change. By centring African experiences and promoting sustainable and inclusive interventions, this study contributes to the growing discourse on green social work and its relevance in the context of global environmental crises. Keywords: Climate change, lived experiences, green social work, resilience, South Africa, culture. |
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| 2 | Accepted | Accepted | Prof. | Raniga | Tanusha | traniga@uj.ac.za | University of johannesburg | Linking the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Women's Economic Empowerment in South African society: Developmental Social Welfare Strategies and lessons for Implementing SDG 1, 5 and 8. | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | The UN 2030 Agenda is a global agenda which brings nations together to address global challenges for sustainable development. It is increasingly expected for social workers to engage in novel intervention programmes in South Africa to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The National Development Plan Vision 2030 is the foundational policy steering sustainable development priorities, notably by proposing its own development agenda and visions aligned to goal 1, 5 and 8 of the SDGs. This scholarly investigation addresses a broad spectrum of the UN’s SDGs including no poverty, gender equality, access to decent and economic growth and prioritizes women's empowerment in South Africa. The study aims to extract pivotal developmental social welfare strategies and lessons to inform and enhance social work practice and policy in Gauteng province. The study is anchored in the objective of dissecting the multifaceted concept of social entrepreneurship in relation to women's empowerment, with a particular focus on the unique socio-economic and cultural dynamics present in South African society. It seeks to understand how these insights can be effectively transposed to improve labor and social protection policy landscape, thereby enriching intervention strategies to enhance gender equality, economic inclusion and poverty alleviation. Employing critical feminist methodology, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 women who shed light on the intricacies of social entrepreneurship aligned to the pillars of developmental social welfare practice. The study' is underscored by African feminism and the ethical clearance number for the data is REC 01-030-2022.. The findings reveal that human capital development, economic participation, and political inclusion are critical strategies for women's empowerment, proven effective in Gauteng, South Africa. Conclusively, the study advocates for a holistic, community-based economic approach to women's empowerment, drawing inspiration from the conceptual debates on globalization from below, solidarity economy and social entrepreneurship approach to mitigate -poverty, enhance gender justice and access to decent work. |
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| 3 | Accepted | Pending Review | Dr. | Spaumer | Andrew | spauma@unisa.ac.za | University of south africa | Strengthening Child Protection Through Collaboration: The Role of Religious Institutions in Supporting Vulnerable Children | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | As social work evolves to address global challenges, particularly those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collaboration with community stakeholders has become increasingly crucial. This paper explores the vital role religious institutions can play in supporting children in need of care and protection. It emphasises the importance of fostering partnerships between social workers and religious leaders to ensure effective intervention in child protection efforts. The research presented in this paper is based on a qualitative study that used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the perspectives of 19 religious leaders on their involvement in child protection. While child protection is not their primary mandate, the study revealed that religious institutions are actively providing support services to vulnerable children. This finding underscores the untapped potential of religious communities in enhancing child welfare, despite the lack of formal training or structured roles in child protection. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the University of South Africa, reference 37360450_CREC_CHS_2022. The findings highlight a significant need for structured collaboration between social workers and religious institutions to optimize child protection efforts. Such partnerships can lead to the development of community-based interventions that are both holistic and sustainable. Integrating these collaborations into social work education, policy, and practice is critical for addressing the complex challenges faced by vulnerable children. The study advocates for the inclusion of interdisciplinary cooperation as a core component of social work training, ensuring that future social workers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to collaborate effectively with diverse community stakeholders. In alignment with the conference themes of social justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, this presentation calls for action to strengthen community partnerships and enhance social work’s role in creating lasting, positive change for vulnerable children worldwide. | 718 | |
| 4 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Bhuda | Gladys | bhudag@unisa.ac.za | University of south africa | Quizzing the Integration of entrepreneurship in social work education: The case study of Gauteng universities, South Africa. | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | In recent years, the South African social services sector has not been able to absorb social work graduates seeking employment. In 2023 it was estimated that 9000 social work graduates were unemployed. The number has increased following the April 2024 graduation season, with a new cohort of graduates having entered the job market. Against this backdrop, it cannot be business as usual for the teaching institutions (universities). There is a need to augment the current social work undergraduate curriculum to introduce material preparing students for the volatile job market. Consequently, this paper quizzes the feasibility of incorporating entrepreneurship in social work curriculum in South Africa. A qualitative approach was followed within the multiple descriptive case study design and data was collected by means of systematic literature review, which was subsequently analysed thematically. Ethical issues were also considered in the study. The study thus makes various recommendations of how entrepreneurship can be incorporated in the social work curriculum. | 720 | |
| 5 | Accepted | Pending Review | Dr. | Muleya | Emmi | Emmi.Muleya@wits.ac.za | University of witwatersrand | Exploring the lived experiences of street homeless persons in Johannesburg | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the critical situation faced by people experiencing street homelessness globally and in South Africa. Despite efforts by the Gauteng Provincial Government to provide shelters to the homeless, statistics from the Statistics South Africa (StatsSA, 2023) indicates that street homelessness continues to be on the rise in Gauteng. This study sought to explore the lived experiences of street homelessness persons in the province’s economic hub, Johannesburg. A qualitative research approach and descriptive phenomenological design was used. A purposive and snowballing sampling techniques was used to recruit 10 street homeless adult participants and data was collected using face to face semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Preliminary findings point to a myriad of economic; social; structural and personal reasons as perpetuating street homelessness. To address this social problem the study, recommend a comprehensive and multifaceted approach involving government, non-profit organisations and homeless individuals to develop potential solutions. |
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| 6 | Accepted | Accepted | Prof. | Ahmed | Shakeel | shakeel@uop.edu.pk | Department of social work, university of peshawar, pakistan. | Indigenous Interventions in Social Work: Resisting the ‘Normalization of Violence’ in public discourses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. | THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice | The Western-centric approach of social work in Pakistan leaves limited room for indigenous knowledge and frameworks for culturally appropriate interventions. This study, which draws on indigenous knowledge, looks at how violence has become more commonplace in public discourse in Pakistan's terrorism-affected province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan. Since 2001, this province has been at the forefront of the U.S.-led "war on terror," and as a result, its post-911 socio-political structure—which includes bureaucracy, national and international NGOs, and policymaking has developed into the Western notion of counterterrorism. Social work approaches also adhere to this Western notion of counter-terror worldview, leaving little room for indigenous conflict-resolution mechanisms to address this problematic situation. Drawing on Edward Said’s critique of colonial knowledge production, this research explores how localized traditions such as Pashtunwali comprising community support mechanisms like Ashar (collective labor) and Lashkar (community-based conflict resolution) can inform alternative, nonviolent social work approaches. The historical example of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement (1929–1948) further illustrates the potential of indigenous models in promoting peace and social welfare through nonviolent resistance. Methodologically, this research adopts a qualitative framework utilizing ethnographic methods, in-depth interviews, and critical discourse analysis for documenting and analyzing indigenous social work practices. This study suggests a culturally responsive social work intervention model that challenges colonial and imported approaches to sustainable peacebuilding in conflict-affected communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. | 724 | |
| 7 | Accepted | Pending Review | Dr. | Ramokolo-kutu | Mmatsatsi elizabeth | Mmatsatsir@gmail.com | Department of correctional services | Parolee adversities upon re-entering society: Perspectives from social workers at community corrections offices on sustainable reintegration | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | The presentation focuses on the adversities of parolees upon re-entering society after a period of incarceration. A qualitative research approach was used to understand the challenges experienced by social workers responsible for the rehabilitation and reintegration of parolees. The participants were purposively selected from a population of social workers, social work supervisors and heads of community corrections offices of the Department of Correctional Services. Data was collected through face-to-face and telephonic interviews as the study was conducted during COVID-19. Data was analysed according to the eight steps of Tesch. Lincoln and Guba’s principles of trustworthiness were employed. The study draws from the ecological systems theory and conflict theory. The findings revealed that a significant barrier to achieving social development goals is guaranteeing the health and well-being of parolees, many of whom struggle with substance addiction. This poses a challenge to the implementation of the sustainable development goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. Economic growth is recognised as a prerequisite for sustainable development, however, the study revealed that parolees find it difficult to secure employment due to limited education and a criminal record. Without economic growth, progress on eradicating poverty and ending hunger will be difficult. Parolees are stigmatised by their community and family, which causes relationship issues that negatively impact their mental health. Despite parolees’ positive decisions and good intentions, society and families continue to stigmatise them and this is affecting successful reintegration. To support the achievement of sustainable development goals, the study concluded that social workers should educate families about the significance of supporting parolees financially as they are struggling to find employment. Additionally, social workers should establish connections with rehabilitation facilities to facilitate drug abuse treatment for parolees. Keywords: rehabilitation, parolees, sustainable, reintegration |
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| 8 | Accepted | Accepted | Prof. | Van wyk | Carlien | Carlien.VanWyk@nwu.ac.za | North west university | A community based practice model to facilitate children's participation | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | While research on children’s participation has grown globally and in South Africa, limited attention has been given to community-based paediatric palliative care. Children living with life-limiting illnesses and community health workers face significant challenges in this context, underscoring the need for supportive practice models. This study aimed to address this gap by developing a practice model that supports community health workers in facilitating children’s participation. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of North-West University (NWU-00426-19A1) and the North West Department of Health. A qualitative descriptive design, guided by the Design and Development model, was employed. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit participants (community health workers and experts). Data was collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews and analysed using content analysis. Phase 1 identified key challenges to children’s participation, forming the foundation for model development. Phases 2 and 3 involved gathering diverse perspectives and synthesising them into a draft model. In Phase 4, the model was refined to ensure its practical relevance and responsiveness to the needs of children and community health workers in paediatric palliative care. The resulting model aims to enhance meaningful participation of children within community-based paediatric palliative care. By addressing the specific barriers experienced by both children and frontline health workers, the model offers a practical and context-sensitive framework for improving engagement. Its iterative development process, informed by in-depth research and stakeholder input, ensures its applicability in real-world settings and its value in strengthening child-centred care. |
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| 9 | Accepted | Accepted | Mr. | Kabasia | Onkemetse | Onkemetse.Kabasia@gauteng.gov.za | Gauteng provincial government | South Africa's path to a developmental state: A managerial analysis of the Department of Social Development's transition | THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice | This study critically examines the transition of South Africa’s Department of Social Development from a welfare-oriented model to a developmental approach within the broader objective of establishing a developmental state. Through an in-depth analysis of policy documents, strategic plans, and historical data, the research investigates the managerial, strategic, and structural factors influencing this transition. Key barriers identified include policy incoherence, disparities in resource allocation, and capacity constraints, all of which have hindered the effective realization of the intended developmental shift. Anchored in South Africa’s socio-economic landscape, as articulated in the 1994 Reconstruction and Development Programme, this study contextualizes the transition within efforts to promote equitable development and reduce poverty and inequality. The literature review explores the theoretical foundations of transformative developmentalism and welfarism, drawing comparative insights from the East Asian development model, which has informed aspects of South Africa’s approach. Findings reveal a significant misalignment between policy objectives and actual outcomes, reinforcing path dependency rather than fostering self-reliance. The study argues that achieving transformative developmentalism requires a more integrated and coherent policy framework that aligns social development goals with inclusive and expansive economic policies. To address these challenges, the study recommends enhanced policy coherence, equitable resource distribution, and capacity-building interventions to strengthen the DSD’s ability to drive developmental outcomes and meaningfully contribute to reducing socio-economic disparities. This research contributes to the discourse on developmental state theory and transformational social policy by providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners in the social development sector. It underscores the necessity of structural reforms to ensure that South Africa’s social development agenda effectively aligns with the broader developmental state vision. |
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| 10 | Accepted | Pending Review | Dr. | Nathane-taulela | Motlalepule | Motlalepule.Nathane@wits.ac.za | University of the witwatersrand | The Critical Need to Decolonise Social Work Practice Education and Centre Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Interventions with African Families in South Africa | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | Since its inception, social work education and practice has generally marginalized indigenous knowledge system of African families in South Africa. There has also been limited efforts to understanding the nature of African families and how they are rooted in extended families; kin-ship and social relations. African societies have historically mediated many social challenges confronting families such as children’s behavioural problem, family conflict, poor parenting skills; orphaned children and non-marital childbearing. Many of the indigenous practices which have been contextually relevant for African families are not taught in universities. The disregard for these African indigenous knowledges is deeply rooted in Eurocentric perspectives and models which dominates social work education to profession to date. The imposition of western methods of intervention have resulted in futile and poor outcomes when implemented by social workers once they exit university and enter practice. This paper is based on a qualitative study which used case study design to understand family re-unification and aftercare services for children with behavioural problems who are discharged from Schools of industries. Participants were social workers, parents and children who had been removed from their families due to Disruptive Behaviour Disorders (DBDs). The findings indicate that the social work intervention that was implemented by social workers was to remove children from their families of origin, did not yield the expected outcomes. This approached is deeply rooted in Eurocentric welfare system which overlooked the locally relevant indigenous practices in the families which were mostly Africa. This paper argues that there is a critical need for a paradigm shift in social work education to de-center western based perspective and bring to the center culturally relevant indigenous approached to social work education. Key words: African family practices; Disruptive Behaviour Disorders (DBDs); Eurocentric perspectives; Indigenous knowledge system. |
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| 11 | Accepted | Accepted | Prof. | Rautenbach | John victor | RautenbachJ@unizulu.ac.za | University of zululand | BLUE BURNING (2024) - video documentary screening and discussion facilitated by Prof John Rautenbach and Janet Soloman (online) | THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice | BLUE BURNING (2024) (Plenary session as approved by the LOC). Screening and discussion facilitated Prof John Rautenbach and Janet Soloman (online) 90mins | Video Documentary Director and Producer: Janet Solomon Cinematographer and Editor: Viki van den Barselaar-Smith Blue Burning (2024), a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary directed by Janet Solomon, explores the growing social opposition to South Africa’s ambitious offshore oil and gas expansion under Operation Phakisa. The film, a collaboration between Solomon and cinematographer Viki van den Barselaar-Smith, captures the intersection of environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and climate activism in the face of the government’s plan to drill 30 new offshore wells by 2030. With a powerful original score by Jonathan M. Blair and a final mix by Johan Prinsloo, the documentary weaves together the voices of fisher collectives, coastal communities, scientists, environmental NGOs, and Indigenous groups, uniting them in a historic campaign to protect the ocean commons and climate futures. The film critiques the authoritarian petro-imaginary underpinning Operation Phakisa, which prioritizes economic growth over democratic integrity, intangible heritage, and ecological sustainability. Through a decolonial ecofeminist lens, Blue Burning employs intersectional environmental justice strategies and relational aesthetics to expose the risks of offshore drilling, while fostering public awareness and collective action. The documentary highlights the formation of the Oceans-not-Oil coalition, a diverse alliance that challenges state-sanctioned environmental harm and advocates for alternative socio-economic structures rooted in collaborative commons. Guided by theoretical frameworks such as Third Cinema, Val Plumwood’s interspecies solidarity, and Walter Mignolo’s decolonial praxis, Blue Burning serves as both a critique and a call to action. It amplifies counter-narratives to the petro-capitalist agenda, offering a hopeful vision of resistance and solidarity. This screening, followed by a discussion facilitated by Prof. John Rautenbach and Janet Solomon (online), invites audiences to engage with the urgent politics of the ocean commons and the transformative potential of artistic intervention in the fight against climate catastrophe. Keywords: Operation Phakisa, offshore oil and gas, decolonial ecofeminism, environmental justice, ocean commons, climate activism, documentary film, South Africa. |
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| 12 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Latakgomo | Christabella nthabiseng | clatakgomo@uj.ac.za | University of johannesburg | Implementation of the Ke Moja Programme as an intervention strategy: Young people’s voice | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Implementation of the Ke Moja Programme as an intervention strategy: Young people’s voice Author: Dr. Nthabiseng Latakgomo University of Johannesburg clatakgomo@uj.ac.za / +27 11 559 2802/4. Sub-theme: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals(SDG’s): work with a vulnerable population (young people). Presentation Format: Presentation Substance misuse is a global concern, and South Africa is no exception as it is reported that about 15 per cent of the population is misusing substances, with young people being the hardest hit. Substance use and misuse amongst young people has a long-term effect on their overall functioning and hence measures should be put in place to avert this. A qualitative study that was exploratory, descriptive and evaluative was undertaken to examine the extent to which the Ke Moja programme as an intervention strategy was able to address substance misuse amongst young people in the Gauteng Province. The study presented the views and experiences of young people on the implementation of the programme in their various settings around Gauteng, that addressed the study’s objective: to assess youth’s views on the strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness of the programme. A theoretically informed analysis of the programme was conducted guided by the ecological systems theory and programme theory. The learners’ acknowledged the relevance and importance of Ke Moja since it educated them on drugs and its effects, and all the learners undoubtedly agreed on the significance of the skills development component of the programme; the pivotal role that parents and teachers role play in the programme; the importance of the policy makers involving young people in the development and evaluation of the programme and the need to include the programme in the curriculum. Ke Moja programme has a potential to be a good programme should all gaps be addressed by the key organizations that are responsible for the programme. |
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| 13 | Accepted | Accepted | Mr. | Smith | Marquin e. | mesmith@uwc.ac.za | University of the western cape | FINANCIAL CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT AS A DRIVER FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE NEED TO TRAIN SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Despite decades of government intervention and international aid, poverty remains deeply entrenched in South Africa. In response, over two decades ago, the South African government adopted a developmental approach to social welfare, as outlined in the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997). This approach advocates for integrating social and economic development to enhance the overall wellbeing of communities. Social service professionals, particularly those in social work and community development practice, are central to this vision due to their engagement with vulnerable individuals, families, and communities which are most affected by poverty. One promising strategy within this framework is the implementation of financial capability development interventions, which aim to improve the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary for sound financial decision-making. These interventions not only strengthen individual financial wellbeing but also contribute to broader poverty alleviation efforts and the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). However, a critical question arises: are South African social service professionals adequately prepared to develop and lead financial capability interventions? Drawing conceptually on Sen’s Capabilities Approach and Financial Capability theory within the context of social development, this paper critically examines the profession’s readiness. Through a synthesis of current literature, policy analysis, and professional curriculum frameworks, it identifies opportunities and barriers, including limited specialised training, resource constraints, and organisational challenges. The paper argues that while social service professionals are well positioned to drive financial empowerment, systemic and educational gaps must be addressed. Practical recommendations are offered for curriculum reform, targeted professional development, and policy innovation. | 746 | |
| 15 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Bottoman-mdlankomo | Andiswa pamella | pamellamdlankomo78@gmail.com | University of kwazulu natal | The Impact of Neoliberal Ideology on Service Delivery in Historically Resource Deprived Communities: Disrupting Incompetency. | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | To be entered | 750 | |
| 16 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Chandran laila | Arya | aryachandran@bharatamatacollege.in | Bharata mata college, thrikkakara, india | 'Changing shores: Impact of climate change and disasters on coastal communities in South India | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | This abstract is based on the fieldwork done in Poonthura, a South India coastal community situated on the Arabian sea with a coastal length of 1 km. The study explores how climate change is defined by the community, who are resource dependent, whose major livilihood is fishing, fish vending and allied activities. Qualitative research approach has been used and the study findings are based on interviews with elder community members (25), focus group discussion (1) and observations. The narratives has reflected on the changing sea and seashore as well the one of the major cyclone, Okhi that hit the coast in 2017 and its impact on present day life of people. The elder women and men narrated about the slow sea erosion that is taking away their land, which has decreased the land area. Poonthura had larger shore which provided space for fish drying in the earlier times and today there is no space for drying fish. Another major impact of the sea erosion is the thickly populated coastal lane, where the houses along the shore has moved inward but not moved outside the community. Farther the community shift from the coast line, larger is their challenge in engaging in fishing and allied livelihoods. The greatest disaster that affected Poonthura coast is the Okhi cyclone in 2017, which is apart frequent tidal waves during monsoon and other rainy times. The cyclone has substantial number of deaths and missing of fishermen and the survivors of the cyclone are traumatised. This keeps them away from the livelihood and pushes women to engage more in the economy to run the households. |
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| 17 | Accepted | Pending Review | Mr. | Baloyi | Samuel | samuel@parexcellencesa.co.za | Parexcellence | How to identify social needs and provide solution from the designation of social work | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | There are spaces of function and living which each individual either or operates from. Personal space, workplace, workspace, family space and social spaces. Character building, integrity formation and reputation presentation are fruits yielded from the personal space and exuded in subsequent spaces where others get to know one's intrinsic makeup. The relationship between the brain, the mind And the behavior is paramount because ultimately behavior informs social relevance or irrelevance. A study needs to be done about the immediate environment that one lives in and is exposed to. The study should reveal the ills, the challenges of that milleau. A social purpose driven worker should then design solutions that can be sold to the community and start having engagements to reach the ultimate solutions. E.g, a society where role models are perpetrators, unethical individuals, law breakers is prone to produce after that kind. Therefore, an aware social worker of such a kind of milleau should be able to design an approach that can be embraced and suggest their solutions to the community. We don't win over people but we win people over to ourselves. Social work is about winning people over to your world of thinking. The nuances between your thinking and their thinking will be filled by the quality of the engagement processes. My exposure to the world of education prompts me to share scenarios where complex and sophisticated circumstances ended with sweet solutions. | 753 | |
| 18 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Shittu | Abdulwahab. danladi | shittu.ad@unilorin.edu.ng | University of ilorin | The Islamic Studies Curriculum in Nigerian Universities and the Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of the University of Ilorin | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | The globally recognised framework aimed at fostering a sustainable future for all living beings is known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These seventeen goals address challenges faced by both developed and developing nations, striving to enhance human well-being while safeguarding the environment. A fundamental objective of university education is to integrate sustainability principles across academic programs to support the achievement of these goals. This study examines the Islamic Studies curriculum of the Department of Religions at the University of Ilorin, assessing its relevance in advancing selected SDGs. A qualitative research approach with a descriptive case study design was employed, incorporating a review of the Islamic Studies curriculum, semi-structured interviews with faculty members, curriculum developers, and students, as well as structured questionnaires distributed to students and lecturers for data collection and analysis. The research findings indicate that the Islamic Studies curriculum provides students with essential knowledge for shaping a sustainable future. The study further recommends expanding the curriculum to encompass critical areas such as climate change, industrialization, and well-being to enhance its impact. Keywords: Curriculum, Islamic Studies, Sustainable Development, Goals |
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| 19 | Accepted | Accepted | Ms. | Mahlangu | Nompumelelo lydia | nompumelelolydia@gmail.com | University of south africa | Strategies employed by social work supervisors and supervisees to manage their supervion relationships within the South African NGO sector | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Social workers in South Africa are employed in different sectors. Regardless of the sector of employment, social workers are required to work under supervision and this necessitates a supervision relationship. This article uses resilience theory to explain the strategies used by social work supervisors and supervisees to overcome supervision hurdles. The study was conducted within the non-governmental sector (NGO) in the Tshwane municipality, located in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A qualitative approach following an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was employed and purposive sampling technique was followed to select 12 participants with first-hand experience of the phenomenon. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews from both social work supervisors and supervisees with a help of an interview guide and analysed using Moustakas’ steps for data analysis. Guba’s and Lincoln’s model was employed for data verification. Regular supervision sessions, communication (which requires early intervention and confrontation), and as a last resort, instituting disciplinary action summarises the findings of this study. It is thus resolved in this study that employing the said strategies triumph supervision challenges, thus ensuring effective supervision. | 758 | |
| 20 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Philip | Sheena | sheena@bharatamatacollege.in | Bharat mata school of social work | ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF AI TOOLS IN MODERN SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION | THEME 6: Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice | Modern social work education's integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is changing professional training, student involvement, and teaching strategies. Adaptive learning platforms, virtual simulations, automated assessments, and natural language processing (NLP) systems—AI-powered solutions improve individualized learning experiences and let students build critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Real-world scenarios created by AI-driven case simulations let students practice client contacts, ethical decision-making, and intervention tactics in a risk-free setting. Artificial intelligence chatbots and virtual assistants also help students with academic direction, mental health services, and research support. Despite these benefits, the adoption of AI in social work education raises ethical and practical concerns. Issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential reduction of human interaction in learning environments must be addressed. Additionally, the digital divide may limit access to AI-powered learning resources, particularly for students in underprivileged communities. This study assesses the effectiveness and challenges of AI tools in social work education through qualitative and quantitative analysis, including surveys of educators and students, case studies, and expert interviews. Findings suggest that AI enhances accessibility, efficiency, and engagement in social work education, but it must be integrated thoughtfully to preserve the humanistic and ethical foundations of the discipline. The study recommends a balanced approach, combining AI-enhanced learning with traditional mentoring, ethical guidelines, and digital literacy training. As AI continues to evolve, social work education must adapt responsibly to equip future professionals with both technological competencies and the core values of empathy, advocacy, and social justice. Key words- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social work education, Human interaction in learning, Ethical concerns |
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| 21 | Accepted | Pending Review | Mr. | Nombola | Lulama justice | lnombola@ufh.ac.za | University of fort hare | Exploring the Cross-Cultural Differences between Conceptions of Forgiveness: A case study of IsiXhosa and English-speaking South Africans | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | This article seeks to examine the cross-cultural differences between conceptions of forgiveness. In social work, the concept of forgiveness is advanced to examine social work practitioners and educators to see if there is any potential need or perceived benefit for forgiveness education, or a perceived need of forgiveness applications in social work practice. However, in philosophical literature the debate pertaining to forgiveness is around its nature with divergent perspectives on whether it is conditional, a moral obligation and what its implications are for justice and human relationships. The main objective is to determine whether South African IsiXhosa, and South African Anglophone speakers employ different concepts of forgiveness. This involves examining critical elements of each group's comprehension of forgiveness, such as conditionality, bilaterality, and moral duty. Furthermore, the study examines the role of cognitive and cultural factors to ascertain if the variation in the concept of forgiveness is rooted in cognitive differences that are influenced by culture and describe cross-cultural misunderstandings in reconciliation by examining how the conceptual distinctions could lead to miscommunication throughout the post-apartheid racial reconciliation process in South Africa. The study takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating ideas from moral philosophy, cognitive science, and cross-cultural psychology and social work. The demographic purposive sample will comprise of South African Anglophone urban whites, Xhosa undergraduate students, and a selected rural Xhosa population of different ages, gender and with different concepts of forgiveness. Tasks were administered in English to Anglophone South Africans of European descent, in Xhosa-to-Xhosa undergraduate students and to Xhosa-speaking rural population. The objective of the study is to provide information that might be useful in resolving possible misunderstandings in multicultural and multiethnic discussions about healing and forgiveness. Also, creating culturally sensitive models of forgiveness by recognizing that these variations provide a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of forgiveness that considers cross-cultural differences between concepts of forgiveness. |
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