“My passion for social work has grown stronger as a result of my internship.” – Charl Piers, WPDI Social Work Intern
December 17, 2024 – WPDI’s Social Work Internship Programme, a strategic partnership with the University of Western Cape, offers a transformative learning experience for aspiring social workers. Engaging students from local universities and international institutions, the programme helps to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Interns actively participate in real-world settings where they engage with communities, provide support to vulnerable populations, and contribute to advocacy and development initiatives. This hands-on experience not only hones their professional skills but also deepens their understanding of complex social issues, preparing them for their future careers in a dynamic and engaging manner.
The program’s reach is extensive, impacting over 8,000 direct beneficiaries and more than 13,000 indirect beneficiaries through activities such as individual and group counseling, community dialogues, awareness campaigns, health and well-being workshops, and training. These initiatives empower marginalized groups, foster resilience, and promote sustainable development within the Cape Flats region and beyond.
For many interns, the experience has been life-changing. Mbali Mcaba, a student social worker, described her journey of discovering her passion for mezzo and macro social work interventions. “WPDI exceeded being just an internship program; it became a supportive community,” she shared. Similarly, Chadtley Nuiwenhuis reflected on how the internship helped him develop critical problem-solving skills and fostered his understanding of diversity and poverty alleviation through WPDI’s initiatives such as entrepreneurship and ICT training. For Charl Piers, the internship provided an invaluable opportunity to work across multiple levels of social work intervention, from individual counseling to community-wide empowerment projects like Peace Through Sport. “My passion for social work has grown stronger as a result of my internship,” he noted, emphasizing the profound personal and professional growth he experienced.
The success of this internship programme demonstrates WPDI’s commitment to trauma healing initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable communities. Through a supportive and dynamic environment, students gain the tools to make meaningful contributions to society. As WPDI continues to invest in building resilience and fostering peace, the internship programme stands out as a model for transformative learning and impactful community development.
Read more about this inspiring initiative in WPDI’s feature story here.
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