Social Work

Course Description

Diploma in Social Work

The Diploma in Social Work is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to effectively support individuals, families, and communities in Zambia. This programme addresses the social challenges prevalent in the Zambian context and provides practical training in social welfare, community development, and social justice. Graduates will be prepared to work professionally in various social service settings, promoting the well-being and empowerment of vulnerable populations.

Social challenges such as poverty, inequality, family disruptions, and mental health issues demand skilled professionals who can provide support, advocacy, and intervention. This diploma program responds to the increasing need for qualified social workers who understand the social dynamics affecting vulnerable populations and can implement evidence-informed strategies to foster social inclusion and empowerment. The program also addresses the national and global priorities for promoting human rights, social justice, and sustainable community development by preparing competent practitioners who are prepared to work ethically and effectively in various social work contexts.

A number of local and international non-governmental organizations have determined to provide assistance in enabling resilience to various community issues and promoting growth of Zambia as a Nation. These organizations require skilled and trained Social Work Professionals who can see through the various community issues and deliver a wide range of services in a planned and organized manner. Thus, the proposed diploma in social work will help students in attaching themselves in the activities of such organizations and thereby enable professional and personal development.

Upon completion, graduates are expected to:

●        Acquire knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interactions of all these factors that helps the students to acquire all the same which help them to lead meaningful professional career.

●        Obtain competency in social work at field level and cater the needs of local NGOs working in rural Zambia.

●        Analyze and understand global, national, and regional business, social, political systems and environments and Comprehend issues in ethical decision making and ensure social responsibility of the citizen.

●        Identify himself with the people who are in need of help in social environmental and behavioral problems and build his career in NGO or in an industry.

●        Demonstrate effective oral and written business communication skills which are very much required in small scale business sectors of Zambia.

●        Examine business problems in the society / community/ Province and propose feasible solutions to support community business run by SHGs / CBOs in rural Zambia.

●        Develop professional competences with ethical perspectives relevant to practice in global contexts, with an interest of life-long learning along with the negotiation of change which brings health competition among NGOs in Zambia

●        Incur skills of Problem identification, assessment and resolution to problems of individuals, groups and communities that enable effective and efficient practice of professional social Work among NGO sector which ultimately lead the national development.

●        Develop coordination mechanism to monitor national development goals sets by various departments and UN agencies to improve the overall condition of the country.