EMPOWERING SOCIAL WORK FUTURES; CELEBRATING INTERNSHIP ACHIEVEMENTS.

NOTE FROM THE FIELD EDUCATION CO-ORDINATOR

Welcome to this special edition of the UNESWA Social Work Internship Success Stories Newsletter. This issue celebrates the incredible achievements of our Bachelor of Social Work students during their 2025 internships.

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Through dedication, compassion, and professionalism, our students have translated classroom learning into meaningful practice, impacting communities, organizations, and individuals across Eswatini. These stories highlight resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of social work.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to the companies, institutions, and organizations that hosted our students and provided mentorship opportunities. Your support strengthens the next generation of social work leaders.

Featured Stories

From Classroom to Practice

By: Nosihle Dludlu, 4th Year Social Work Student, Class of 2025

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Nosihle’s internship journey embodies this principle, transforming her classroom knowledge into impactful social work practice.

Her fieldwork began at NATICC, focusing on community outreach and advocacy on Gender-Based Violence (GBV). She authored an article, “Gender Equality in Eswatini: A Possibility or an Unattainable Dream?”, which was published in the organization’s newsletter—an achievement that fueled her desire to make a broader impact.

At Eswatini Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders (ESACRO), Nosihle gained hands-on experience in one-on-one counselling, assisting clients in crisis and working with marginalized populations, including ex-offenders. A notable experience involved providing counselling to a client contemplating suicide, highlighting the vital role of active listening, collaboration, and empathy.

She also facilitated a partnership between ESACRO and the UNESWA Law Society, enabling law students to offer legal guidance to young people while gaining practical experience.

Advice for Incoming Interns
“Show up with a positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and believe in your ability to make an impact. As our fieldwork coordinator Miss Masuku always says, ‘Always leave a mark.’”

Featured Story 2

The Realities of Reconciliation

By: Nosisekelo Dlamini.

Nosisekelo’s internship at Piggs Peak Correctional Centre offered a deep dive into the realities of correctional social work, where theory meets human emotion and institutional life.

Working with inmates facing family estrangement, substance abuse, domestic violence, and anger management challenges, she learned that building trust requires patience, empathy, and consistency. A particularly compelling case involved Sfiso (not his real name), an inmate struggling with family conflicts and business-related disputes. Through guided dialogue and reconciliation sessions, Nosisekelo facilitated understanding and compromise, helping clients regain a sense of hope and stability.

This experience emphasized that social work is about walking alongside clients, helping them navigate pain, regret, and hope, rather than “fixing” them.

Featured Story 3

From Classrooms to Correctional Services

By: Nonjabulo Khumalo, Bachelor of Social Work Student, Class of 2025

Nonjabulo’s 2025 fieldwork encompassed two diverse placements: Kwaluseni Infant Primary School and Piggs Peak Correctional Services, offering insights into both educational and correctional social work practice.

At the primary school, Nonjabulo and classmates provided uniforms to needy learners, conducted a debriefing session for students following a peer’s suicide, and participated in a workshop on child protection and advocacy. These experiences highlighted macro-level interventions, policy implementation, and inter-agency collaboration.

Later, at Piggs Peak Correctional Services, Nonjabulo conducted health and psychosocial sessions with inmates, focusing on anger management, self-reflection, and positive coping strategies. This reinforced her belief that rehabilitation is about personal growth and accountability.

Nonjabulo aspires to specialize in child welfare within correctional settings, aiming to empower young people early and prevent cycles of offending.

Lessons Learned

Key Lessons from Internships

• Collaboration with stakeholders is essential for meaningful impact.
• Active listening transforms lives and builds trust

• Small acts of service can create lasting community change.
• Resilience, emotional intelligence, and empathy are vital professional skills.

Company Recognition & Acknowledging Our Internship Partners

We extend heartfelt thanks to the organizations that hosted and mentored our students:

• ESACRO
• NATICC
• Piggs Peak Correctional Centre
• Kwaluseni Infant Primary School
• UNESWA Law Society

Your guidance has been instrumental in shaping our students into capable, compassionate, and professional social workers.

Call-to-Action for Future Partnerships

UNESWA invites more companies and organizations to provide fieldwork opportunities for social work students. Your involvement ensures practical training, professional growth, and positive community impact. Partner with us to empower the next generation of social workers.