World Social Work Day celebrated in Laitsohpliah village
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 19: The spirit of community and social responsibility soared high as the students and the staff of Subakalai LP School in Laitsohpliah village of East Khasi Hills joined hands to celebrate World Social Work Day on Tuesday. The event, organised by the Department of Social Work-PG (MSW) of St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, in collaboration with NESFAS, Shillong, Subakalai LP School, and the local community, saw an effort towards fostering social change and inclusivity.
World Social Work Day, celebrated annually on March 19, recognises the contributions of social workers and highlights the importance of social justice, human rights, and social development. This year’s theme, ‘Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change,’ emphasises the adoption of innovative, community-led approaches grounded in indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature.
Distinguished guests, including local Headman Wan Marwein, secretary of Laitsohpliah village Babu Nestar Kharmawphlang, head teacher of Subakalai LP School R Nongrum, senior associate of NESFAS Janak Preet Singh, Head of the Department (HoD) of Social Work-PG (MSW) department, St. Edmund’s College, Dr Rituparna Rajendra, besides faculty members of the department, schoolchildren, parents, and community members attended the programme.
The event began with the felicitation of the distinguished guests by Dr R Rajendra, the HoD. Laitsohpliah village secretary Babu Nestar Kharmawphlang delivered a warm and inspiring welcome speech.
Special performances included a captivating presentation by the students of Subakalai LP School. Janak Preet Singh, senior associate at NESFAS, shed light on NESFAS’s school meal initiative emphasising on the organisation’s commitment to promoting sustainable food systems and nutrition security in various schools across the state.
The celebration was further enhanced by musical performances. Students of MSW department performed a group song, while first-semester students of the department delivered a soulful song, spreading messages of the rich biodiversity. Additionally, the programme featured special performances by the schoolchildren of Sukbakalai LP School.
The highlight of the event was the sharing of the mid-day meal with the guests in Sukbakalai LP School, which held significance as the sharing of meal demonstrated hospitality and fostered a sense of community within the school. The sharing of meals also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange where students from outside the state were able to experience local cuisine and customs, fostering understanding and appreciation for different cultures.
The school, recognised for serving nutritious meals to students, invited St. Edmund’s College students to share the meal that also served as a form of celebration and recognition of achievements within the school community wherein the school promotes the importance of healthy eating habits.