NATIONAL WEBINAR ON SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION AND COVID – 19 PANDEMIC

The School of Behavioral Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala in association with Department of Sociology and Social work, GEMS Arts and Science College, Malappuram, Department of Social Work BVM Holy cross college, Cherpunkal, Department of Social Work, AWH Special College, Calicut conducted a National webinar on the topic “Social Work Profession and Covid-19 pandemic”, including two important sub themes. The first theme was social “social workers and occupational stress”, followed by the second theme, “vulnerable groups and covid-19” on 13th September 2020 Sunday from 10 am to 1.45 pm. The programme was begun with welcome speech of Mr. Arun.M (Coordinator, NSWPC 2020, faculty, MASDS School of Behavioral Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The Presidential address was delivered by Dr. Rajeev Kumar. N (Prof. and Director, School of Behavioral Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam). The webinar was inaugurated by Mr. Manjalamkuzhi Ali, Hon’ble MLA and Ex minister, Chairman, GEMS Arts and Science College, Malappuram. He mentioned about the current situation of covid -19 pandemic and he appreciated all the social workers who have put a great effort in this pandemic. After inaugural session the keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Sabu Thomas, (Honb’le vice chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam). In the keynote address, he briefed about how Kerala is surviving the current situation, and he appreciated on the right steps that Kerala is taking including physical and social distancing, methods for tracing covid patients in different parts of the state etc. The key note address was followed by felicitation and it was delivered by Dr. B. Unni (Academic and Research Director, GEMS Arts and Science College, Malappuram). He talked about the importance of webinar on this pandemic condition and he also appreciated all the organizers of the webinar. Dr. Mirshad Rahman T. M (Vice–chairman, NSWPC 2020, HOD, Department of Sociology and Social work, GEMS Arts and Science college, Malappuram.), described about scope of the webinar. He focused on the aim of the webinar and the importance of social workers in covid- 19 pandemic. He also mentioned about the challenges faced by the social workers in this pandemic situation. First session of the National webinar begun at 11.00 am. Mrs. Anju P.H (Assistant Professor) introduced the speaker, Mr. Francis Moothedan Raphel (Project Director and Chief trainer, MMM, IRCA, MOSC Medical college hospital, Kolenchery, Kerala). The topic of the session was “Social workers and occupational stress”. The session was started by mentioning stress and he described about various topics such as, occupation stress, vicarious trauma, covid-19 and social work. The session was very informative. Second session was on the topic “Vulnerable groups and Covid-19”. Mr. Arun. K (Vice- chairman, NSWPC 2020 and Assistant Professor, GEMS ASC), introduced the speaker, Dr. Alan Godfrey (Assistant professor, Department of Social Work, St. Joseph College, Bangalore). The session was started by mentioning vulnerable communities like scheduled tribes, women, children, unorganized laborers, person with disabilities. He also shared social work perspectives ORGANISING COMMITTEE Dr. K M Mustafa (Chairman, NSWPC2020) Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Director, IRLD Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Dr. Mirshad Rahman T. M (Vice-Chairman, NSWPC 2020) HOD, Department of Sociology and Social Work GEMS Arts and Science College, Malappuram Mr. Sajo Joy (Vice-Chairman, NSWPC 2020) Faculty, Department of Social Work BVM Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal Mr. Sujesh. K. (Vice-Chairman, NSWPC 2020) HOD, Department of Social Work AWH Special College, Calicut Mr. Arun K. (Vice-Chairman, NSWPC 2020) Assistant Professor GEMS Arts and Science College, Malappuram Mr. Arun.M M. (Co-ordinator, NSWPC 2020) Faculty, MASWDS School of Behavioural Sciences Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Moderator of the Webinar Huda Ali (II year MSW Student DSSW, GEMS ASC) Technical Committee Muhammed Kasim (II MSW, GEMS ASC) Sayyid Muhammed (II MSW, GEMS ASC) Shajas Ahmed (II MSW, GEMS ASC) Communication and Reporting Committee Sasiya Afrin. M (II MSW, GEMS ASC) Narghees. A (II MSW, GEMS ASC) Hasna. P (II MSW, GEMS ASC) Riya Mary (I MASWDS) Sayana Sunny (I MASWDS) Amalu Boban (I MASWDS) Anjaly A.K (II MSW, BVM HCC) Kanav (II MSW, AWH)