The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) Social Work Department, composed of two (2) faculty members and four (4) students, went to Ban Nai Soi, Mae Hong Son in Thailand to conduct a set of activities for the women refugees of the camp. The program, Pathways to Peace: Workshop and Capacity Building, commenced last 18-20 April 2024.
Woven: International Study Visit in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Thailand, was a program curated for 3rd-year Social Work students. This visit was part of the SW 350 course, Transformative Multicultural Social Work, which allowed the students to engage in hands-on learning experiences in Thailand. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Women’s Education for Advancement and Empowerment (WEAVE) Foundation, a long-term partner of the University.
The students immersed themselves in the realities of multicultural social work, focusing on serving marginalized populations such as refugees and migrant workers. The visit included trips to refugee camps on the Thailand-Myanmar border and engagements with local social work organizations.
This field experience helped students apply theoretical concepts related to cultural competence, social justice, and human rights in international settings, preparing them for diverse social work environments. Students were welcomed into the community and introduced to the camp’s history, challenges, and resilience. Activities included guided tours of the facilities, conversations with community leaders, and participatory workshops. Students also engaged in group discussions with refugees, sharing stories and perspectives on social issues, displacement, and community rebuilding.
Furthermore, in Bangkok, the ADDU Social Work Department visited Thammasat University for an exploratory meeting to discuss potential areas for collaboration.
From the immersion at the refugee camp to the academic dialogue in Bangkok, the ADDU delegation experienced firsthand the power of cultural understanding and professional collaboration. Students also shared their reflections and takeaways:
“The International Study Trip has made me more aware of the cultural diversities outside my country. It enabled me to widen my understanding and be more critical in looking at different perspectives. It is very informative and enriching to be part of this activity. It encourages me to also champion the people’s rights and their well-being.”
“It was a spectacular moment to be able to have an immersive experience and adventure in Thailand. I am privileged and honoured to meet new people, encounter new tribes and culture, foster bonds and friendships towards each other, and to witness the reality of what has been taught inside the four corners of the classroom.
Hopefully, it might not be now as of the moment, but sooner or later, I am looking forward that someday, as I practise the profession, I will have the opportunity to return to the village, witness their progress, and eventually meet those people once again.”
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