Company Profile: Community Development Welfare Division
Background: The Community Development Welfare Division was established in 1989 and operates under the Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration. The primary focus of the organization is to empower individuals and communities through active participation in development initiatives. The division comprises various staff members dedicated to supporting diverse community groups across several platforms, including Disability, Youth, and Child Protection.
Vision: To cultivate a resilient and thriving community where every individual has access to support and resources necessary for personal and social development.
Mission: To enhance the quality of life for families and individuals through effective counseling, mediation, and advocacy, thereby fostering healthier relationships and nurturing community well-being.
Summary of Duties Carried Out During Training
Week One: Orientation and Understanding Roles
- Duration: July 1 - July 7
- Duties: Gained insights into counseling, mediation, child maintenance, and child neglect issues. The focus was on understanding the fundamentals of the Community Development Welfare Division and developing an interest in counseling and mediation.
Week Two: Counseling and Mediation
- Duration: July 8 - July 14
- Duties: Observed and participated in counseling sessions, facilitating communication among couples. Developed skills in creating safe spaces for open dialogue to encourage problem-solving and alleviate tensions.
Week Three: Child Maintenance Issues
- Duration: July 15 - July 21
- Duties: Facilitated discussions between separated/divorced parents to reach fair financial agreements for child support. Emphasized shared responsibility and cooperative parenting to avoid conflicts.
Week Four: Addressing Child Neglect
- Duration: July 22 - July 28
- Duties: Engaged in identifying cases of child neglect and facilitated sensitive assessments. Advocated for resources to assist struggling parents while prioritizing child welfare.
Week Five: Child Protection and Family Dynamics
- Duration: July 29 - August 4
- Duties: Handled emotionally complex cases related to child protection, collaborating with social workers and mental health professionals. Observed moments of growth in parents as they addressed behavioral impacts on their children.
Week Six: Reflection and Future Aspirations
- Duration: August 5 - August 11
- Duties: Reflected on the training experience, understanding the diverse roles within the welfare division insights gained about family challenges and desires to enhance skills in mediation and counseling.
Absences
- Day Absent: July 8
- Reason: Personal family emergency which required immediate attention.
- Day Absent: August 1
- Reason: Attended a family obligation that could not be rescheduled.
Industrial Training Experience Gained
During the six-week training program, I acquired practical experience in counseling and mediation, essential for addressing family dynamics effectively. I gained hands-on knowledge and skills through direct participation in counseling sessions, where active listening and empathy were crucial.
Projects Carried Out:
- Facilitated discussions for child maintenance agreements, ensuring fair resolutions while promoting responsible parenting.
- Engaged in community awareness initiatives about child neglect and the importance of support systems for parents.
Supervisory Works:
- Worked under the guidance of experienced counselors and community development advisors who provided mentorship and valuable insights into effective best practices.
Problems Encountered:
- Emotional challenges arose during sensitive cases involving child neglect and protection issues, particularly in navigating family dynamics and inter-professional collaboration.
Problem-Solving Process or Approach:
- Employed active listening techniques to validate clients’ experiences and perspectives, fostering trust and encouraging open dialogue.
- Collaborated with welfare services to devise intervention plans while ensuring that families received the necessary resources and support to improve their situation.
- Engaged in reflective practices to evaluate approaches regularly, adapting to the diverse needs of families encountered throughout the training period.
Conclusion
The comprehensive experience gained through my training at the Community Development Welfare Division has equipped me with invaluable skills and insights into the complexities of family welfare. I look forward to continuing my growth in this field and making a meaningful impact in community development and child welfare.