1.

About Chanaka Village-

According to Census 2011 information the location code or village code of Chanaka
village is 283437. Chanaka village is located in Mayong subdivision of Morigaon
district in Assam, India. It is situated 25km away from sub-district headquarter
Mayong (tehsildar office) and 25km away from district headquarter Morigaon. As per
2009 stats, Mayong is the gram panchayat of Chanaka village. The total geographical
area of village is 83.38 hectares. Chanaka has a total population of 475 peoples, out of
which male population is 237 while female population is 238. Literacy rate of
chanaka village is 56.00% out of which 64.14% males and 47.90% females are
literate. There are about 68 houses in chanaka village. Jagiroad is nearest town to
chanaka village for all major economic activities, which is approximately 30km away.

2. About Akshaya Patra Foundation-

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an independent charitable trust registered under the Indian
Trusts Act 1882 . We endeavour to implement the Government of India’s PM POSHAN
Initiative (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) to solve at scale the overarching societal
issues of classroom hunger and malnutrition in the country.
It is our firm belief that investing in child nutrition and education is one of the most effective
entry points for human development. Driven by this belief, we strive to provide children with
a hot, nutritious and tasty mid-day meal every school day as an incentive to come to school.
Thus, the vision – ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.’
Since the year 2000, we have endeavoured to reach out to children with wholesome mid-day
meals every school day by leveraging technology and effectively harnessing the potential of
the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. By establishing an extensive network of kitchens
and partnering with the Government of India, state governments, UT administrations,
corporate houses and philanthropists, we have created a system to address a social cause on a
massive scale. Our efforts are in direct alignment with two critical Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs): SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 4 – Quality Education.
Currently, we serve over 2.2 million children studying in 23,110 government schools
and Anganwadi centres across 75 locations in 16 states and 2 union territories of India.

3. About Auxilium Snehalaya-

Auxilium Snehalaya is a resdential care home for girls and boys located in Noonmati,
Guwahati, Asaam. The institution is run by the Solesion Sistra of don Bosco, a Catholic can
aggregation dedicated to the education and care of young people. The mission of Auxilium
Snehalaya is to provide a safe and supportive environment for girls and boys and
disadvantages backgrounds empowering them through education, vocational training and
personal development. The institution aims to help them to become confident, self-reliant and
responsible citizens.
4. About BBCI-
Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) was set up by a voluntary organisation
called ‘Dr. B.Borooah Cancer Society Trust’. In 1958 at a public meeting in Guwahati, a
decision was taken to set up a cancer hospital at Guwahati to commemorate the memory of
Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah. Late Devendra Nath Sharma was the Founder President and late
Dr. Kanak Chandra Borooah, illustrious brother of Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah was the
Founder secretary. The institute was formally inaugurated on 18th November 1973 and
become operational from 1974. The first Tripartite Agreement for revitalization of the
Institute involving the North Eastern council, Government of Assam and the department of
Atomic Energy. The institute was recognised as regional cancer centre by the Ministry Of
Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India in the year 1980.

Professional Learning Experience-

A professional learning experience in social work is a transformative journey that provides
the foundational skills, knowledge, and perspectives necessary for effective practice in
diverse and complex social environments. My professional learning experience during a
placement at a local community-based agency dedicated to supporting individuals with
mental health and addiction issues was a crucial moment in my development as a social
worker. This experience allowed me to not only apply theoretical knowledge but also develop
practical skills in real-world situations, learning firsthand the intricacies and challenges of the
profession.
At the beginning of my placement, I was introduced to a variety of tasks, including
conducting assessments, attending client meetings, and participating in case management.
One of the most important tasks was learning how to conduct comprehensive assessments of
clients' needs and strengths. This involved engaging with clients in a non-judgmental and
empathetic manner, carefully listening to their concerns, and collaboratively identifying their
goals. I quickly learned that building trust and rapport was paramount in establishing a
successful working relationship. This was especially important when working with clients
who were experiencing mental health crises or had a history of substance abuse, as trust
issues and fear of stigmatization often hindered open communication.
Under the supervision of experienced social workers, I also became involved in developing
intervention plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. These plans included a
combination of therapeutic approaches, referrals to additional services (such as housing or
employment programs), and ongoing support. I was encouraged to think critically about the
available resources and how best to connect clients with appropriate services that would
enable them to make meaningful changes in their lives. This part of the learning experience
underscored the value of a holistic approach to social work, one that not only addresses the
immediate needs of clients but also aims to empower them by improving their long-term
well-being.
Another key aspect of my professional learning experience was the opportunity to participate
in multi-disciplinary team meetings. In these meetings, I collaborated with psychologists,
counselors, and other social workers to discuss client cases, share insights, and develop
coordinated care plans. The interdisciplinary nature of these meetings emphasized the
importance of collaboration in social work practice. I learned how various professionals, each
with their own expertise, contribute to addressing the complex needs of clients. Through
these discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of the various perspectives that inform
decision-making in social work and the necessity of viewing clients holistically, considering
not just their mental health but also their physical, social, and economic contexts.
Throughout the placement, I also became acutely aware of the systemic barriers that clients
often face, including poverty, inadequate housing, and discrimination. This experience
highlighted the importance of advocacy in social work, where the role of the social worker
extends beyond direct service provision to include efforts aimed at addressing broader social
injustices. I was introduced to the concept of social justice in a practical context, where I
actively engaged in advocacy efforts, helping clients navigate social services and fight for
their rights. This exposure reinforced my commitment to working toward social change and
the promotion of equity, values that are central to the social work profession.
Furthermore, the experience of working in a professional environment helped me understand
the importance of self-care and professional boundaries. Social work can be emotionally
taxing, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. I found that regular
supervision and reflective practice were invaluable tools for processing complex emotions
and ensuring that my practice remained ethical and client-centered. I also learned how
essential it is to engage in continuous professional development, attending workshops and
trainings to stay informed about new approaches and methodologies in social work.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my learning experience was witnessing clients make
positive changes in their lives. While social work often requires patience, persistence, and
long-term commitment, there were moments of progress, however small, that reminded me of
the profound impact social workers can have on individuals and communities. Whether it was
a client successfully completing a rehabilitation program or securing stable housing, these
milestones underscored the power of support, guidance, and compassion in helping people
overcome significant life challenges.
In conclusion, my professional learning experience in social work was a pivotal phase in my
development as a practitioner. It provided me with the tools, confidence, and perspectives
necessary to approach complex situations with empathy, critical thinking, and cultural
competence. This experience deepened my commitment to social work as a career and
reinforced the importance of advocating for those who are marginalized. It also solidified my
belief in the transformative potential of social work to promote individual and societal well-
being, laying a strong foundation for my future career.

Social work skills applied-

1. Active Listening: Ensuring that clients feel heard by attentively listening to their
concerns, both verbal and non-verbal, is critical in building rapport and understanding
 their needs.
2. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of clients to create a supportive,
compassionate environment where they feel valued and understood.
3. Cultural Competence: Adapting practice to respect and incorporate clients' diverse
cultural, social, and personal backgrounds, ensuring services are relevant and
respectful.
4. Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments to understand clients' strengths,
needs, and challenges, which guides effective intervention planning.
5. Case Management: Coordinating resources, services, and care plans for clients to
meet their needs holistically, often involving collaboration with other service
providers.
6. Crisis Intervention: Responding swiftly to urgent situations, such as mental health
crises or domestic violence, by providing immediate support and referrals to
necessary services.
7. Advocacy: Representing and supporting clients to ensure their rights and needs are
addressed, especially in systems like healthcare, education, and criminal justice.
8. Conflict Resolution: Mediating and resolving disputes between individuals, families,
or organizations, aiming for mutually agreeable solutions while maintaining respect.
9. Interpersonal Communication: Effectively communicating with clients, colleagues,
and other professionals, including both verbal and written communication skills.
10. Problem-Solving: Assisting clients in identifying problems, exploring solutions,
and implementing strategies to overcome challenges in their lives.
11. Ethical Decision-Making: Applying the ethical guidelines and values of social
work to navigate complex situations involving confidentiality, autonomy, and justice.
12. Supervision and Reflective Practice: Seeking guidance and feedback from
experienced professionals to improve practice and ensure ethical and effective service
delivery.
13. Empowerment: Helping clients build confidence and self-sufficiency by promoting
their autonomy and facilitating their involvement in decision-making.
14. Behavioral Therapy Techniques: Applying therapeutic techniques such as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in addressing mental health
issues and behavioral challenges.
15. Collaboration: Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, integrating the
expertise of various professionals to deliver comprehensive and effective client care.
These skills are crucial in various fields of social work, such as mental health, child welfare,
healthcare, schools, and community development, to ensure positive outcomes for clients and
communities.

Conclution-
The field work gave us hands-on experience interacting with society, which will undoubtedly
help us become more effective social workers in the future. Overall, it was a positive
experience, and I realized that as a future social worker, I will need to acquire a wide range of
knowledge and abilities in order to assist society. As social work students, we were
transitioning from classroom based learning to field-based learning, which marked our
introduction into the world of the profession. The value of field experience in molding social
work students cannot be overstated. Field work experiences help us develop our skills and
competencies in a variety of ways. We are able to work with real clients and engage with
them because of our practical experience.