Bridging Theory and Practice

A BSW Fieldwork Internship at Pro Rural, Nagaland
As part of the academic requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme, sixth-semester students Thaihuliu Panmei, Rakuziini Ariicho, and Tiba Augustine from Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram, Manipur, undertook a fieldwork internship at Pro Rural, Dimapur, Nagaland, from 23 January to 16 February 2026. Field education constitutes a core component of social work training, as it provides students with the opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills through direct engagement with communities and development agencies. This internship served as an essential platform for experiential learning, enabling us to observe, participate in, and critically reflect upon the processes involved in rural development and social intervention.
During our internship, we were exposed to a wide range of programmes that contributed to both our professional growth and personal development. We actively participated in several key initiatives, including a health camp focused on preventive care and health education conducted in geographically challenging rural settings. Through the AHT (Ashraya Hastha Trust) programme, we gained a deeper understanding of the organization’s efforts to support rural farmers, the socio-economic challenges they encounter, their expectations, and the diverse agricultural practices they adopt, particularly in vegetable cultivation supported by project interventions.
We were also involved in a skills and entrepreneurship development programme, specifically a soap-making training, which introduced us to basic vocational skills aimed at promoting economic self-reliance. Additionally, the Vitamin Angels project highlighted the importance of nutritional interventions, where we assisted in the distribution of vitamin supplements to address micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations. Other responsibilities included facilitating MY QUEST online lessons, maintaining medicine inventory records, preparing banners, and supporting various administrative and community outreach activities that contributed to the overall functioning of the organization.
Pro Rural’s holistic and participatory approach exemplifies effective non-governmental organization (NGO) practice in rural development. This internship was truly transformative, offering us invaluable exposure to grassroots realities and strengthening our commitment to social justice and community service. It enabled us to observe and engage directly with development processes in real-world settings, thereby deepening our professional understanding and ethical responsibility as future social workers.
We express our sincere gratitude to Pro Rural for providing us with this enriching learning opportunity, along with continuous mentorship, guidance, and a supportive environment. The experience has been both valuable and inspiring, reinforcing our dedication to community development and our resolve to contribute meaningfully to rural upliftment.
Thank you, Pro Rural.