UVIC Grad looking forward to challenge of social work in Botswana

My name is Melissa King, and I am from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I will be completing my Bachelor of Social Work coursework, at the University of Victoria (distance education program) in August, and I will graduate in November 2007.  I have a previous degree from Dalhousie University in International Development Studies and Philosophy. I have spent many years living abroad in various places and settings, but this will be my first experience working in the social work field in an international setting.

I spent several years of my youth in southern Africa (Zimbabwe), where my parents worked as teachers, and I am very excited about the prospect of using my newly acquired social work skills in Gaborone, Botswana. I am hoping to work towards a masters degree in community development when I return home. I feel that working in Botswana will
provide me with practical hands-on work experience, and a chance to use what I have learned through my BSW, in a real world setting.  However, I am also certain the position will be challenging and emotionally difficult, but I feel I am ready for this and I embrace the challenge ahead of me. I believe this opportunity will provide me invaluable life experience, and will contribute greatly to the development of my future thesis.

My position in Gaborone will be as an assistant social worker at the Holy Cross Hospice. The Holy Cross Hospice provides support to people and families who’s lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. I will be primarily working within the PACT project, which is a program supporting children and youth aged 3 – 18 years old. My job will include working with children in the centre, community outreach (meeting children and their families in their own homes) and assesing the needs of children who access PACT project services. I will learn a great deal regarding the affect of HIV/AIDS on children, their families and their communties. I hope to gain an understanding of how communities cope with an epidemic such as HIV/AIDS, and practical ways that communities can work towards change. I am also excited to learn about the culture of Botswana and getting to know Gaborone.