Date: 02.12.2025
Organised by: ASMITE Foundation
Supported by: Jeevan Vikasa Trust, Yellapura
Participants: SEA College – Master of Social Work Students
Introduction
ASMITE Foundation organised a meaningful exposure visit for the Master of Social Work (MSW) students of SEA College, offering them a rare opportunity to engage with the Siddi Tribal Community. The visit was designed to foster experiential learning, encourage community-based research, and develop social work competencies through field immersion.
Objectives of the Visit
- The primary goals of the programme were to:
- Enable students to understand the cultural identity, history, and lifestyle of Siddis
- Promote interaction with local households and grassroots leaders
- Enhance academic learning through direct community engagement
- Strengthen sensitivity, observation skills, and reflective thinking
Facilitation by ASMITE Foundation
The visit was facilitated by Dr. Riyaz Sagar, representing ASMITE Foundation. His guidance provided participants with context, orientation, and structured reflection during the visit.
Dr. Sagar led discussions on:
- Socio-cultural history of the Siddis
- Education and livelihood patterns
- Inclusion, identity, and empowerment challenges
- His mentorship supported the students throughout their field learning process.
- Field Engagement & Interaction
- One of the most impactful components of the visit was household-level interaction. Students visited Siddi homes, sat with families, and engaged in conversations to:
- Learn about daily life
- Understand family systems
- Observe patterns of occupation
- Listen to aspirations and struggles
- These interactions helped students gain first-hand exposure to community realities, which cannot be captured through textbooks alone.
- Community Support & Participation
The success of the visit was made possible by:
- Community leaders, who welcomed the learners
- Local residents, who shared experiences generously
- Siddi families, who allowed students to observe and understand their lives closely
- Their openness and cooperation transformed the visit into a mutually respectful learning exchange.
- Key Learning Highlights
Students reported valuable insights, including:
✔ Awareness of Siddi history, migration, identity, and belonging
✔ Deepened empathy through personal dialogue with households
✔ Observations on social structures, livelihood, education, and welfare systems
✔ Understanding the importance of culturally sensitive social work practice
The visit also helped students strengthen their analytical skills and reflect on the role of social workers in inclusive development.
Impact and Future Prospects
The exposure visit reinforced the role of field-based learning in professional social work education. It encouraged students to explore:
- Research opportunities
- Community development approaches
- Participatory learning models
- Advocacy for tribal empowerment
ASMITE Foundation will continue to support similar platforms for learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
