Academics
School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya
Roshni Nilaya was established as the Institute of Social Service by the Daughters of the Heart of Mary in 1960, offering a diploma in Social Work. It first began offering master’s courses in social work (MSW) in 1967 and bachelor’s courses in social work (BSW) in 1984. The Roshni Nilaya campus has an audio-visual room and a computer lab with nearly 40 computers. Classrooms hold up to 30 students and provide an excellent and intimate environment for group work and teacher-student interaction. All class buildings are within close proximity to each other and there is a small cafeteria on campus that provides meals to students. Badminton and volleyball courts offer students opportunities for fun and exercise.
Course Information
Roshni Nilaya has the highest possible accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India and is affiliated with Mangalore University. Total student enrollment is about 430 students.
As a BCA student, you will take a 6-credit social work field placement course supervised by an MSW or PhD in social work. This allows for hands-on social work with local populations at a network of locations including:
HIV activist organizations
NGOs
Counseling centers
Children's rights groups
Women's rights groups
Farmers
Organic food programs
Childline Nodal, a government-supported organization dedicated to helping abused children, has its office on the Roshni Nilaya campus. This organization is an excellent resource for social work students interested in working with children.
In addition to 15 hours per week of field experience, Roshni Nilaya offers a range of social work courses.
All students will take the following courses:
Indian Social Problems
This course will introduce you to various social problems confronting Indian society. You will analyse the causes and consequences of social problems and explore the various rehabilitative services for the victims of social ills and addictions by highlighting the role of the social worker.
Fieldwork
As a BCA student in Mangalore, you will take a 6-credit field placement course. Social work students will complete a 15 hours/week field placement for a total of 200 hours supervised by an M.S.W. or Ph.D. in social work.
*Non-social work students have the option of working at one field placement for the entire semester or working at two different placements. This allows for hands-on experiences with local populations at a network of locations.
The following is a sample list of field placement experiences available to BCA students in Mangalore, India:
Alcohol/De-Addiction
LINK De-Addiction and Counseling Center
LINK was started by a Roshni Nilaya alumnus and works on issues of smoking, drug addiction, and alcoholism. The organization promotes positive values and work for a drug-free culture. In addition to their center, they work with colleges and communities to promote positive peer group behavior. Social work students will interact with residents at the center and work with community programs.
Kripa Foundation
Kripa’s mission is to provide “non-discriminating, supportive community living helping people to introspect and bring about change in lifestyle, to alter the risk perception, to minimize harm and to see the need to monitor life as an ongoing process of spiritual growth.” The Mangalore location serves anywhere from 40-70 residents who come to the center because of their addiction to alcohol or other substance. The program at Kripa follows the Hazelden approach using discipline, counseling, and reflection. Social work students interact with current residents in varying stages of their de-addiction process, work individually with residents, and observe the group sessions.
Education
VALORED
VALORED, standing for Value Oriented Education, works with government primary schools throughout South Karnataka. They have community centers throughout the district and conduct programs at the regional centers. Social work students would be able to conduct programs on various issues including children’s rights, child labor, and health. BCA students will be paired with a local student since all the programs are conducted in the local language.
Mangala Jyothi Integrated School
The main governing concept of the school is to promote integrated education and provide education to disabled students along with normal children under one roof. The Mangala Jyothi Integrated School works with orthopedically challenged, hearing and visually impaired, and able bodied children, all of whom are economically needy. Additionally the school provides vocational training in book binding, tailoring, painting, typewriting, and arts and crafts. Social work students will observe all aspects of the school and work with individual students.
The Yenepoya School
The core beliefs of this school include learning by doing, using a mind, body, spirit curriculum, and following a community leadership model. Students will get to observe the functioning of the school, as well as work with individual students.
Community Work
Dharma Jyothi Social Centre
Started by Sisters of the Queen of Apostles, the organization works on multiple issues, including education, women’s empowerment, and health, and brings about change for all people irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The center houses its administrative office, a pre-school, and training areas. The organization sets up sponsorships that allow students from rural areas to go to school. Additionally camps are held during school holidays and several training programs are run. The organization works with several women’s self help groups. Social work students will go to communities, visit with children, and work with different groups.
HIV/AIDS
Jeevadaan
Run by the Daughters of St. Calillus, Jeevadaan is a care and support Center for HIV/AIDS infected abandoned women and children. It is a residential facility that houses women and children, some of whom are orphans. There is a school for the children on the premises. The residents’ activities include cooking, cleaning, and arts and crafts. Jeevadaan sells the arts and crafts made by the residents. Social work students will work with residents on arts and crafts projects and get to see the daily workings of the center.
Snehasadan
Run by the Camillian Health Mission in India, Snehasadan is a care and support center for people infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. It houses men, women, and children. The center uses a multi-disciplinary approach involving a holistic method, including medical and psychological care. The center also cares for orphan and vulnerable children. Social work students will be exposed to all aspects of the center.
Elderly
St. Ann’s Home for the Aged
Run by the the Sisters of Saint Ann of Providence, the Home for the Aged has 70 female residents. The institute provides spiritual and physical care for the residents. Students can sing, dance, and talk with residents. In addition, students will be exposed to different needs of the residents.
Vishwas Trust
Established in 1998 by Dr. Olinda Pereira, former principle of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Vishwas Trust provides services and advocates for the aging. Students have the opportunity to reach out to the elderly in the area through visiting their homes and planning programs at the Day Center. Students can hone their skills in counseling, public health, and working with the elderly. BCA students will be paired with local students for outreach activities.
Disability
Mangala Jyothi Integrated School
See description in Education section.
You will choose two of the following courses:
Working in Communities
Students will learn concepts related to development, underdevelopment and their interrelationships. You will analyze problems, identify causes, and implications in relation to the individual, family, and society. Students will also learn the roles that government and non-governmental organizations play.
Health Care
Students will develop an understanding of the health situation in India and the holistic concept of health.
Non-Formal Education
Weaker Sections of Indian Society
Students will learn to assess the Governmental and Non Governmental strategies used for the development of Weaker Sections. In addition, students will develop sensitivity to the problems of social inequality and injustice and commitment to work for the development of weaker sections.
Language Tutorials
You will be taking some tutorials in Kannada, primarily spoken, though you will will learn some script as well. You will have the option for more intensive tutorials if you choose.