Pacific Islands Field Education (PIFE) 2017 REPORT

Social Sciences and Psychology PIFE PROJECT 2017

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Project Manager: Dr Jioji Ravulo, Senior Lecturer (Social Work)

PIFE 2016 Team: Fiji: Brooklyn Matailevu, Torika Naqasima, Stacey Perkett, Karen Sullivan, Melaia Turagaiviu Samoa: Megan Hilly, Fuapepe Seiuli Tonga: Annuncia Alamoti, Darlene Chuon, Bridgette Kizana Vanuatu: Fatme El-Cheikh Issa, Jessica Lin

PIFE Field Educators Fiji: Alfreda Vakarewakobau Samoa: Luagalau Foisagaasina Eteuati Shon Tonga: Lavinia Palei

Partnered agencies and supervisors Fiji: Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation: Mr Rupeni Fatiaki FemLINKpacific Pacific: Sharon Bhagwan Rolls and Tabua Salato Prasad Homes of Hope: Alita Waqabaca, Turenga Nakalevu Operation Foundation: Peter Schultz & Joji Taqiritawa

Samoa: Samoa Prisons and Corrective Services: Levao Rose Siaosi Tonga: Tongan Family Health Association: ‘Amelia Hoponoa Women and Children Crisis Centre: Ofa’ Likiliki Vaiola Hospital (Mental Health Unit): Dr Violet Erasito-Tupou Vanuatu: Department of Youth and Sports

ISBN: 978-1-74108-464-1

© 2018 selection and editorial matter, Jioji Ravulo; individual reports, the contributors

Western Sydney University respectively acknowledged the traditional owners of the lands in which we carry out this work across Oceania, and pay respects to First Nations peoples both past and present.

2 Western Sydney University PIFE PROJECT 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PIFE PROJECT MANAGEMENT 2017: REFLECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

JIOJI RAVULO 5

TEAM FIJI Brooklyn Matailevu 9 Torika Naqasima 13 Stacey Perkett 16 Karen Sullivan 18 Melaia Turagaiviu 20

TEAM SAMOA Megan Hilly 23 Fuapepe Seiuli 25

TEAM TONGA Announcia Alamoti 29 Darlene Chuon 32 Bridgette Kizana 34

TEAM VANUATU Fatme El-Cheikh Issa 37 Jessica Lin 40

westernsydney.edu.au 3 PIFE PROJECT 2017 PIFE PROJECT

4 Western Sydney University PIFE PROJECT 2017 MANAGEMENT 2017: REFLECTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Jioji Ravulo Further to such successes are the two journal practices were seen as vitally important, articles published on the PIFE program thus promoting a grounded understanding of the OVERVIEW far (with additional outputs currently under way in which someone positions themselves in peer review), and the commissioning of a new their own traditional ways on knowing, doing, Celebrating it’s 5th year, the Pacific Islands Pacific Social Work book under Routledge, being and becoming which can greatly assist. Field Education (PIFE) initiative continues to being developed with 35 co-authors assisting implement new and innovative approaches the writing up of 20 chapters that explore Within Samoa, students saw their placement to developing placement opportunities for key fields of practice alongside sections on as an opportunity to contribute in a social work students through Western Sydney Pacific policy and research. This collection, meaningful way to the agency through the University alongside its partnering institution, edited by myself, Tracie Mafile’o (Massey development of policies and models of service the University of the South Pacific. Since University) and Bruce Yeates (The University provision. In turn this dramatically changed 2012, thirty-two undergraduate students of the South Pacific) is the first of its kind, their own position on western culture vs the have successfully completed their final and we are all looking forward to seeing the world, and the need to be more competent in fourth year placement in the Pacific, with book published in the second half of 2018. working with cultural diversity and difference. the view to also support the development of teaching and learning practices on Across Tonga, the placement experience REFLECTIONS Pacific social work, and the desire to promoted social work as a profession, As part of their final 50 hours of placement, further enhance the evolving professional alongside the specific tasks, skills and students participating in the PIFE program identity of social work across Oceania. approaches to assist clients. It developed are asked to complete a reflection report. a stronger sense of self, and a deeper In 2017, the initiative saw 12 undergraduate Their contribution is based on six questions, connection to other similar collectivist students sent (our biggest cohort to date) which are evident across the 12 reports cultures. An importance of person-centred to 4 countries – Fiji (5 students), Samoa (2 within this publication. Key themes have approaches and the role of Pacific culture students), Tonga (3 students) and for the emerged from across participants and in everyday realities was also realised. first time Vanuatu (2 students). Four new provide deeper insights into the experience services were brought on board via a WSU of completing a social work placement in And in Vanuatu, the students experienced Agency Agreement, alongside the other five the Pacific. Additional information, including unique growth that occurred due to time existing services already working across the a Facebook live recording of the students spent with a very supportive host family, PIFE initiative. Positively, the School of Social presenting on their experience on placement, enabling both to become more accustomed Sciences and Psychology has embedded the can be found via our PIFE Facebook page: to the pace of work life in the Pacific region, initiative as a core program, promoting this www.facebook.com/PIFieldEducation. whilst still achieving effective outcomes. within its budget and structures to ensure long term sustainability and ongoing hope to In Fiji, students experienced levels of personal further support the growth and development and professional growth; better insights and of social work education that is underpinned understanding of the role of decolonising by a genuine approach to working with social work approaches to assist in meaningful diverse communities across the region. engagement with clients and community, including stakeholders. They were able to We also continue to celebrate positive connect to rural and regional communities, outcomes with The University of the South providing further insight into the needs Pacific, alongside burgeoning support from to such communities, alongside various the International Association of Schools of cultural protocols needing to be undertaken Social Work (IASSW) and other Universities in connecting and working collaboratively across Oceania keen to support growing with local community members. Some were interest in Pacific social work. This includes a able to operate more independently, both unique collaboration with Massey University, personally and professionally, and create who are also pioneering the advancement a better insight and understanding of the of Pacific social work through a symposium role of indirect social work. Development held at USP (Fiji) in March 2017, alongside of professional skills in being able to work the official launch of a Regional Resource effectively with involuntary client groups and Centre (RRC) that will further assist the overcoming possible hesitation in engaging development of relevant social work with such groups was achieved. In addition, education, practice, policy and research. understanding cultural perspectives and

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RECOMMENDATIONS ≥≥Provide better options for homestay or ≥≥Consistent contact to be promoted by Field The following has also been sourced directly individual accommodation, with view Educator with placement agency, including from the students and provide further to have recommendations of suitable other opportunities to connect with other insights on the way in which the program accommodation supplied ahead of time stakeholders in and around community operates. More so, it assists the ongoing ≥≥Embed a learning activity in the learning ≥≥Pre-placement confirmation from agencies review, and finessing of how the PIFE program contact that enables students to on the scope and range of activities aims to create sustainable approaches have time to connect with local client students will undertake; including to ensuring students are given a positive groups; especially if they are in a non- research and supervisory expectations learning experience. The following twelve direct social work role or placement We truly look forward to seeing the Pacific recommendations have been put forward, one ≥≥Students to be reminded to adopt Islands Field Education (PIFE) initiative listed from each student, and will be further a flexible approach to undertaking continue into 2018 and are grateful for the profiled to form future outputs and outcomes an international placement; with ongoing support of Executive Staff in the in the implementation of the PIFE initiative: view to manage expectations with School of Social Sciences and Psychology, a willingness to be open minded Western Sydney University, and The University ≥≥In country field educators to be of the South Pacific in implementing the co-located in same town or area, ≥≥Opportunities for more than 2 people project across the region. Apart from enabling a more consistent approach per country (where possible) to assist in seeing the individual change occurring to accessing support and feedback harnessing learning experience alongside through the student’s experience, we are on a scheduled and needed basis. social interactions outside placement also now seeing a positive change in the ≥ Ensure homestay arrangements are ≥≥Maintain communication lines between ≥ way in which social work curriculum is being conducive to learning outcomes, including field educator, and field supervisors to transformed to be more inclusive of Pacific the need to source options beyond fellow ensure everyone is aware of placement epistemologies and ontologies, alongside staff working in the placement agency expectations and needs. This could the growing notion that Pacific social work, be through email, phone, or meeting ≥≥Consistent communication as a profession, is coming into its own sense face to face or virtually (e.g. Skype). strategies between Field of meaning, purpose and belonging. ≥≥ Enhance opportunities to discuss placement Supervisor and Field Educator options; with view to possibly select the ≥≥First Aid kits and other medical supplies agency based on specific interests to be taken with each group of students to assist when and where needed

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Students experienced levels of personal

and professional growth promoting “ “ better insights and understandings of the role of decolonising social work approaches.

westernsydney.edu.au 7 PIFE PROJECT 2017 TEAM FIJI

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Brooklyn Matailevu HOMES OF HOPE

What are the KEY activities that were During my time in the Fiji Islands, I learnt to undertaken on placement? recognise and identify the impact of social, Fiji taught me the I completed my placement in Fiji at an economic and political forces and how they organisation called Homes of Hope. Homes affected clients through assessing client’s importance of of Hope work with young women and girls needs; I gained self-awareness which helped

“ whom are vulnerable and survivors of sexual me reconsider personal views and values being grounded, exploitation and sexual abuse. During my when working with Fijian people. I learnt how

time at Homes of Hope some of the key to communicate effectively within a group present and the activities undertaken included shadow case setting with the Fijian people. For example, “ management – where I would sit in with when facilitating group programs in Australia importance of case managers whilst they assessed their the facilitator tends to stand in front of clients’ needs and create goals, facilitating the group and may start with ice breakers working with group programs with the residential girls and whereas in Fiji, the facilitator sits in a circle community girls, undertaking assessments within the groups and explains what village people directly. for new clients, creating awareness within in Fiji they are from, and through this create informal settlements and villages through connections within the group of people. When facilitating programs and group work completing ‘home visits’ Fijians practiced this sessions, attending hospital and mental health in a different way; we would buy 2 loaves of clinics as a form of support for residential bread, some butter and milk and take this girls and aiding in the completion of the to the house or person we were visiting as community tool kits with the Homes of Hope a sign of respect as they welcomed us into staff. their homes. Most of the time they would make tea and share among those who was in What did you learn from doing a social work their house what we had bought. In Australia placement in the Pacific? this would be deemed as unprofessional and Completing my social work placement in unethical, whereas in Fiji this was a sign of the Pacific aided in my self-growth, as well respect. as a deeper understanding of social work as a profession and how the way we perceive What I learnt in Fiji was that one standard social work practice can differ to how the way of working isn’t always right, and that Fijian social workers practice social work. sometimes we get caught up in the systematic Only recently they have started to incorporate type of working environment where we have more formalised approaches within social lost human connections and are constantly work for example using case management emailing, texting calling or referring clients modules. through database systems. Fiji taught me the importance of being grounded, present and the importance of working with people directly. I was able to critically think about my practice in Australia and Fiji, and develop an understanding when working with culturally diverse clients. I also understood the importance of decolonising social work and how that can impact on how we practice. There is not one standard way of working, and we can’t subject different cultures and people and apply them to a theory or practice and expect it to be the right way. When comparing the Pacific Islanders in Australia to the indigenous youth, I can see how the loss of connection to their culture and people have aided in some of the destructive behaviours of our own people living in Australia.

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What professional challenges did you A major challenge for me was identifying experience whilst away? the difference between Australia standard There were many professional challenges of social work and Fiji standard of social I experienced. These challenges were due work. Practices that were acceptable within to the different systems of work between Fiji would may be deemed unethical or Australia and Fiji. One of the major things unprofessional in Australia, for example, was time management. A meeting that was Fijians place a big importance on cultural meant to start at 9:30am wouldn’t start until values, whether this be sitting within a 10:30am or even 11am. Because I worked group setting and having a bowl of kava for a faith based organisation, spiritual and with the Chief or head of the village to gain religious practices were embedded within his approval to enter his village, or sitting their practices. Young women were expected with a family during home visits and having to attend bible study classes and when talking a cup of tea and some biscuits. At first I felt about their journey’s in life, God was used that there were no appropriate boundaries and perceived to solve all problems. This was placed between worker and clients, but then I a challenge for me as within the social work realised that this was the most important part practice we encourage self-determination and of developing rapport with the people, and empowerment and at times they would tell how much respect they showed you in return. the girls to ‘lend their problems to God and He will fix them’ with no actual work or input. How did you personally grow? I did not interfere with this as although it was Personal growth was around connecting a challenge for me to understand their way of back to my own Fijian culture, I was able to working, I had to respect that this was a way reconnect to my people and gain a deeper that they connected and reached out to the understanding of who I was. I was humbled girls. by the experience in Fiji, seeing how the Fijian people were grateful for the little things in life Another time 2 young girls had gotten into encouraged me to be grateful for what I have. a fist fight during their lunch time, and two I have also become an active listener, I’ve staff members split the two girls up. One of learnt how to actively pay attention to people the girls began to have a panic attack as she and not form a judgement. Body language was breathing heavily. The staff members also plays a big part when communicating tried to take the girl to the room, but I stepped within the Fijian communities, whether they in and asked them to stop moving her as raise their eye brows to say yes or squint she could not breathe. I began to do deep their eyes to indicate they were confused breathing with her and talked her through it. - identifying these body languages was an As she began to calm down I saw the two staff important part of actively listening. I have members put their hands over her and pray. become more resilient, Fiji taught me how The next day the two staff held a meeting to face problems confidently, whether it with other staff members and declared that was through spiritual guidance or someone the young girl was going through a demonic sharing their journey, Fijians just have a very possession and not a panic attack. This was a resilient approach to life. Mindfulness is a major shock for me and challenged my work personal growth I developed, I was able to ethics. Despite this particular case, I respected reflect and acknowledge the abundance I how the organisation worked but stayed true have in my life, instead of looking at what I to my purpose and was glad I stepped in when had lost or what I didn’t have. Completing my I did. placement in Fiji reminded me why I wanted to be a social worker. I was able to reignite my passion for social work and find inspiration through everyone I had met throughout my trip. When people asked me why I do social work it was always an automated response, when people ask why I do social work now, coming back from Fiji I am able to answer that question with much more enthusiasm, passion and with purpose.

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How will you utilise what you have learnt back home in Australia? I will utilise what I have learnt in Fiji back home in Australia by effectively working with Indigenous Australians and Pacific Islanders through connecting with them through their culture, spirituality and customs. The importance of body language, and being able to identify cues when talking to people is something I will definitely use as this can help social workers effectively communicate with clients. Being present and grounded within my practice is a personal importance for me as a social worker as the benefits of this through my placement showed me how effectively our clients respond and work with us when we show that we are present. As a developing social worker at times it is hard for us to not have our own judgements about a particular situation before we understand it fully. Through what I have learnt in Fiji, I have definitely learned to not form bias judgement on particular situations before they have happened, and to actively listen without judgement. Because my placement in Fiji has reignited my passion for social work, I will utilise what I have learnt in terms of decolonising social work and hopefully in future aid in research. Also, I aim to develop ethical and practical ways of working with Pacific Islanders that do not dismiss their culture but instead acknowledge that this is an important part of who they are.

What can be done differently in the implementation of the PIFE initiative? A more engaging and present social work field educator could have been chosen for the role as I did not feel I was supported as much as I could have been. Other than that I had a fantastic time during my placement and would like to thank Jioji Ravulo for allowing me to gain this experience and for creating this initiative as it has aided in my personal and professional growth.

I was able to reignite my passion for social work “ “ and find inspiration through everyone I had met throughout my trip.

westernsydney.edu.au 11 PIFE PROJECT 2017

Arriving into “ any village or community required us to

follow Fijian

protocol; involving the giving of the “ Fijian traditional yaqona …

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Torika Naqasima MINISTRY OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

What were the key activities undertaken on A village in Beqa called Dakuni Communicating with village communities placement? Travelling by boat to these villages day and made me learn not to give them high The main keys undertaken in my night was tiring, although it opened my eyes hopes into promising them anything that placement was collaborating with other to see the work carried out by the welfare will be provided according to their needs, workers for the village communities. for example: welfare assistance. I also professionals and service providers in the learnt that nothing was confidential in both interests of the clients, in maintaining their Arriving into any village or community amongst the workers and the clients. privacy, within the client’s knowledge and required us to follow Fijian protocol; involving consent whenever it’s possible. Assessing the giving of the Fijian traditional yaqona Taking the services in to the inland areas the welfare of the iTaukei (Indigenous Fijian) (kava) that is prepared from a pulverized that were close by, travelling by the people mostly in rural areas where the locals root (and has a tingly numbing effect on find it hard to commute by transportation your tongue). This is to be presented to government vehicles each day or when there to the Welfare offices in local towns. village head through a traditional ceremony is a provincial meeting with government called sevusevu (welcoming / offertory) workers to do promotions on welfare Also worked in local rural areas with which provides a formal means of respect services helped develop my understanding means by transportation in government as visitors coming to do work together. I of social work perspectives and practices. vehicles to villages by promoting services had to finish at 9pm during our five days via a Roadshow format. Additionally, due to the amount of files that was to Surprisingly, most of the iTaukei in the village I worked with young people at the Fiji be assessed across all nine villages. communities were illiterate, which resulted Juvenile Centre, providing assessments in most of their wants or needs not being and home visitations to empower and Watching the villagers coming back in the heard due to their illiteracy. In essence, assist in achieving personal goals. early hours of the morning from fishing and welfare workers are there to voice their the plantations to provide us with breakfast, opinions for them. Interacting with different What did you learn from doing a Social work lunch and dinner encouraged me to work individuals in the communities was never a placement in the Pacific? my best and I learnt to appreciate life. dull moment listening to their problems and I found that there were some similarities However, apart from the village struggles needs. Teamwork with the staff was great and also differences in doing Social work in we were always greeted with smiles and that everyone helped each other through the Pacific. Culturally I learnt Fijian culture entertainment such as drinking kava after communications in learning that made me was still very much intact although there work, and the cultural dancing when we are able to fit in their line of work and also feel are a lot of political issues. Fiji has become a about to depart. This is the beauty of Fiji comfortable in their work environment melting pot with different nationalities that that after the stresses of work, socializing has resided there due to business ventures. in the manner with colleagues and of Supervisors were willing to help when sharing a bowl of Kava where everyone sits tasks were given and asking questions In my first week, travelling to an outlier of on the floor to talanoa (talk together). when I felt that I needed to know some the main island by boat that took us about of the things that is not clear to me. forty minutes to reach was the highlight of Interpersonal communications with the my fieldwork. The name of the island is called clients was challenging as I got to learn Beqa, located ten kilometres, (6.2 miles) to more of the culture and even dress more the South of Suva and has nine villages which appropriately according to the Fijian is divided into two districts. Travelling with culture when visiting the local villages in fifteen other government workers including the inlands for assessment. This also gave my colleague from Western Sydney University me confidence in sharing my perspectives and our supervisor from the Ministry of and likewise listening to their perspectives Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. too. Discussions with the communities of their rights and responsibilities in providing them with honest and accurate information that was available at the time regarding the nature of the welfare services being offered to them made me feel good about myself.

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Samabula (Juvenile Centre) Farming is one What professional challenges did you How would you utilize what you’ve learnt of their main programs experience whilst away? back in Australia? My last 7 weeks for work experience was My professional challenges were having Working for ethnic communities would be the working with disadvantage young people the patience to work after hours. best place to utilize what I have learnt from (boys) from the ages of twelve to eighteen at my previous work experience. However, every the Fiji Juvenile Centre located in Samabula, However, obviously in Fiji, Social work is human individual are all different depending located 10 minutes from the Suva city centre. still developing that I professionally had to of what type of circumstances and lifestyles have open communications and give my they live. Being patient and understanding Dealing with these young people by perspectives in order to work professionally their backgrounds will enable me to help interacting with them in trying to get them with the staff and also clients. My biggest them, for example, their cultural and religious challenges were coming down to grass root backgrounds. Also to be non- judgmental back on track was very challenging. Farming levels and listen, with feelings of empathy by and be empathetic has given me the courage is one of the main program that the young imagining to walk in their shoes and try to help to utilise what I have learnt in my last work people do every day in order to help them in any ways I could. Maintaining the client’s placement in any work environment. disconnect from all sorts of troubles such records by keeping the records confidential, as stealing, robbing people walking on the also without labelling the young people What could be done differently in streets, rape and dealing with drugs. but to empower them in order to achieve implementation of the PIFE initiative? their goals. Learning to be non- judgmental I can say that I appreciate the implementation Learning to sit and communicate with is one of the professional challenges of PIFE, though there are some structures them on one to one basis by listening to that I decided to go with at all times. to be facilitated in order for students to feel confident where they are going to what they going through in their lives gave How did you personally grow? be accommodated, especially when they me the strength to help in empowering and My personal growth was trying to adapt back are miles from home. Also the Agencies encouraging them to finish their education into my own Fijian culture and appreciate that the students are going to do their or to try and find employment for the ones my work placement by interacting with field placements are properly arranged that are nearly reaching the age of eighteen. individuals in the villages and communities. through communication with the Directors My confidence has increased more to or the Managers of the Agencies. Field Some of them are victims of divorced or complete through sharing of their knowledge, educators will be good to have someone single parents who are being neglected, skills, experience and time. These have made with experience as a local that will be physically abused from their families and me become more open to accept challenges trusted to help with the students’ needs relatives. Working with the vulnerable young in different environments. I also have grown such as accommodation and placements. people and the staff of the Juvenile Centre by being more committed to tasks that are gave me the abilities in understanding them given to complete. Working with young more and relating theory to work. However, people at the Juvenile Centre has also helped that helped me to identify if they were high my personal growth by observing their or low risks and also by communicating with behaviour and listening to their stories. their parents through assessments with their backgrounds expanded my knowledge. Also my strength and abilities has increased through the staff ‘s continual Having the potential to take on further encouragement and opportunities to step responsibilities by being willing to spend out of my comfort zone and try new things. more time with the young people and see the differences of their behaviour excelled my passion to work with young people. Being a good role model in showing them respect and love was very important to me and likewise for these young people too.

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…all walks of “ life are human beings, therefore,

they deserve to

be treated with dignity and “ respect just like everyone else.

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Stacey Perkett FEMLINKPACIFIC PACIFIC, FIJI

I conducted my final placement at Doing a social work placement in the femLINKpacific, a “women’s based media Pacific reinforced the importance of human organisation that is committed to advocating relationships in social work, specifically for gender equality, women’s human rights involving clients and community members and highlighting the important role that in creating social change. FemLINKpacific women’s voices play in peace and security” incorporate this with their suitcase radio (Sheppard & Kingsberry n.d., pp. 9). As (portable transmitting and recording femLINKpacific is a Community Media equipment) as a platform to allow women and Centre, their key form of communication and girls from around Fiji to voice their opinions technology use is radio and broadcasting. and recommendations for certain issues to While completing this placement, the key raise awareness and create social change activities I performed were based around and social justice. During my placement, I developing content for the Look At My also learnt the importance of consultation Abilities (LAMA) radio program. I was and collaboration when working with required to research and produce a radio communities to ensure they are included in production focusing on the United Nations creating social change. When conducting Convention on the Rights of Persons with interviews and facilitating the focus group, the Disabilities (UNCRPD), as this Convention statement “nothing about us, without us” was has only recently been ratified in Fiji. I was mentioned a few times, further emphasising given the chance to work closely with the that society will not change to cater for the femLINKpacific LAMA broadcasters, and with rights of persons with disabilities unless they I also learnt the their help we conducted multiple interviews are involved in decision making processes. with representatives from numerous Disabled I believe this consultation and collaborative importance of Person’s Organisations (DPO). I also facilitated work can be implemented to multiple facets of “ a focus group which comprised of 6 women social work practice as clients and community consultation and from different communities with diverse members should always be considered disabilities, to give them a chance to share experts in their own lives. They should be collaboration their stories and experiences about what it is given the chance to voice their concerns like to be a woman living with a disability in Fiji and opinions to ensure social change is when working and their views on the implementation of the appropriate to their needs.

UNCRPD in Fiji. Once this content had been with communities gathered and interviews had been transcribed, Whilst conducting my placement in Fiji, I

I composed a script incorporating snippets found my role as a ‘producer’ developing to ensure they from the interviews and other information content to be quite challenging. This was “ about the UNCRPD to educate other women because, at first, I struggled with identifying are included in and girls in the community of the action that the placements relevance to my social work is already taking place. We also hoped that studies which made it difficult to enjoy the creating social other government officials and people in experience and stay focused. I had meetings positions of power would hear this production with my supervisor and Field Educator, and change. and consider some of the recommendations discussed with friends and family still in made by DPO representatives and women in Australia to clarify my purpose and my role the focus group to ensure that persons with in the organisation and PIFE 2017 program. disabilities are having their rights supported These discussions helped me understand in Fiji. the relevance of my work and the positive outcomes I would gain from this experience.

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I also found indirect social work to be quite I have also become more independent I think one thing that could be done differently professionally challenging. As my work at living away from home for such a significant in the implementation of the PIFE initiative femLINKpacific was to develop content for amount of time. I shared an apartment with would be to give students the ability to the LAMA program, my only interaction another one of the PIFE student’s and we further discuss and possibly be given the with members of the community was during were required to cook, clean and look after chance to provide a preference for placement interviews and the focus group. I realised ourselves. I have come back to Australia with organisations. I personally would have liked to that I enjoyed this aspect of being out of the a new set of independent living skills and feel have some more information on the different office, talking with people and supporting confident in myself. Since coming back to organisations that were available and possibly them directly and in-person, more so than Australia, I have become more helpful around some more input into the final decision made. researching and putting together the actual the house and have a new appreciation for my This may have resulted in me conducting my production. I found that I did not like the family. final placement in an organisation that I had indirect aspects of my work as I was too more interest in which could have made the easily distracted from my work because I There are so many things I learnt while in Fiji whole experience even more enjoyable. was not motivated to stay on task. I enjoy the that I will utilise in Australia. Professionally, opportunity to develop human relationships I believe I have learnt some new skills and I would also recommend to somehow increase by engaging with members from the abilities, such as conducting interviews, support from placement supervisors and community face-to-face to address their facilitating a focus group, transcribing, writing field educators. Giving them a more detailed concerns. Although I found this type of work minutes and researching which I am sure outline of their role and commitment to us challenging, I am grateful that I was able I will continue to increase throughout my as international university students may to experience it so that I now have a better career. This placement experience has also have been helpful. This could have avoided understanding of what direction I would like to given me insight to cross-cultural work and confusion between supervisors and students take my social work career. its importance in social work as I will continue and given us more opportunities to engage working with people from different cultural with them and receive an efficient amount of In a personal capacity, this placement backgrounds throughout my career. It gave support. experience has increased my level of me the ability to view social work from a confidence as I am aware of the knowledge different perspective, highlighting that our and information I obtain and I am more western view of social work practice is not confident in voicing my opinions. I believe I necessarily the only effective way to work can make more informed decisions with this with certain individuals, especially indigenous knowledge and confidence. I believe this peoples who have such a strong cultural placement experience has also developed identity. and improved my knowledge of self and understanding of my role as a social worker. My confidence in myself and in the I feel as though I now poses the knowledge, knowledge I possess will be utilised through skills and abilities to be a competent social job interviews as I look for employment to worker. I have been studying at university for commence my social work career. I also hope a long time and I now believe that after this to incorporate a less stressful outlook on life, experience I am ready to become a qualified both in my career and personal life, and take social worker and am confident to go out into each day as it comes. I hope to utilise my the workforce. independent living skills when trying to move out of my family home within the next year I am also generally less stressed than before as I have faith that I will be able to make this a completing this placement. Working and living successful and positive experience once again. in Fiji for 3 months has shown me a slower Reference: paced, more relaxed way of working that Sheppard, N & Kingsberry, L n.d., A Young Women’s Guide encourages more self-care, avoiding burn out to Community Radio: Women speaking to Women for Peace, and over-stressing about work and life. This femLINKpacific: Media Initiatives for Women, Suva, Fiji. placement experience has made me humble and understanding of other people’s individual issues, as I have learnt to be less selfish and to listen and interact with others more positively.

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Karen Sullivan OPERATION FOUNDATION

What were the key activities undertaken on What professional challenges did you placement? experience whilst away? The good you On Monday, I would attend Suva Women’s Prior to beginning placement in Fiji, I was prison with Jill (the wife of my Field anxious about my ability to build relationships do today may be Supervisor, Peter) and my colleague, with incarcerated women and men. I was “ Josephine. Jill and Josephine would facilitate disappointed with the lack of professional forgotten; do good a bible studies class over the course of 1 – 2 field education supervision whilst in country. I hours with a group of 12 women serving life was saddened by many of the stories that the

anyway. Give the sentences. This was followed by colouring- incarcerated women and men shared with me. in, Sudoku or find-a-word for a further hour.

world your best During this time, Jill, Josephine and I would After reading many prisoner case files, I join the women in these activities. The women initially found it difficult not to judge. After and it may never “ would sit quietly focused on the task at hand reading one particular inmate’s case file, I whilst others would chat to fellow inmates or struggled with my feelings around working Jill, Josephine or I. with her. I felt that if I opted not to work with be enough; give her, I was mentally weak and; if I opted to, she On Wednesday, I would attend Suva Women’s may sense my judgement of her. your best anyway prison with Jill and my colleague, Katie. Katie would facilitate a craft class over the course of I found it difficult to know whether the 2 hours with a group of 16 women, due to be prison guards were working to rehabilitate, released in 12 – 18 months. During the lesson, encourage and support the women or I would assist as needed and join the women whether the opposite was true. in the activity. Again, the women would sit quietly focused on the task at hand. Others When I visited the men’s prison, I experienced would chat to fellow inmates or to Katie or I. the feeling of not knowing my place with the inmates or my male colleagues. Prior to the introduction of craft, Jill, Josephine and I would meet with the women How did you personally grow? on a one-to-one basis to provide counselling. Completing Field Education 2 in Fiji was a Following a conversation with a female life-changing experience. I learnt the power inmate, I began typing and delivering letters of presence. Operation Foundation (OF) is on behalf of incarcerated women to the High engaged in rehabilitation efforts with inmates Court, the Attorney General and the Office of and ex-inmates in Fiji. The core values of the Prime Minister of Fiji. OF are relationships, humility, love, service, integrity and consistency. OF team members I also met with inmates at Tagimoucia Art have the privilege of working with inmates Gallery. I provided some resources and offered and ex-inmates in Fiji due to their efforts in encouragement and support. As a result of building and maintaining relationships. the relationships formed in prison, I would meet with ex-inmates for lunch to provide I felt I was a valued community member as encouragement and support. everyone I came into contact with would make eye contact, acknowledge my presence and On one occasion, Peter and I met with a family say, ‘Bula’. I learnt that incarcerated people in Sigatoka (approximately 1½ hours from often have traumatic backgrounds that led to Suva) to assess their needs with the goal of their being incarcerated. The women serving building the family a home. life in prison found hope and joy in every day. The women were and continue to be an What did you learn from doing a social work inspiration to me. placement in the Pacific? Social Work in the Pacific is based on building Overall, the students that travelled to Fiji to and maintaining relationships. complete Field Education 2, Brooklyn, Stacey, Torika, Mela and I, were a source of support for one another.

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How will you use what you’ve learnt (back home) in Australia? I have recently applied for a volunteer role working with SHINE for Kids facilitating contact between children and incarcerated parents. I regularly speak about my experience in Fiji (in Sydney) with a view to overcoming stigma and educating the general public about incarcerated persons.

What could be done differently in the implementation of the PIFE initiative? I think the Field Supervisor needs to provide adequate, meaningful and regular supervision.

Students should expect to stay in suitable accommodation. I had requested a homestay arrangement however the accommodation found for me was a 3-bedroom house with no housemates. The cooking facilities did not work and the bathroom was in a state of disrepair.

I was quite unhappy living there but felt that putting up with it was easier than finding new accommodation. I only moved out when, the night before, I was broken into (week 4 of 12).

I moved in with a woman I had met climbing a mountain a couple of weeks prior. I let my I began typing and delivering letters on behalf Field Educator know what had happened and “ asked for some emotional support. I don’t of incarcerated women to the High Court, the recall seeing my Field Educator at that time “ or for the remainder of my placement (week Attorney General and the Office of the Prime 5 – 12). Minister of Fiji. I believe students should be financially supported / receive a financial subsidy to complete Field Education 2 in the Pacific. Students completing rural FACS Field Education placements receive a grant towards their set up costs as do students who opt to Study Abroad.

Overall, I had an amazing experience. When I graduate, I intend to put forward a proposal to Australian Aid in the hope that they will support me to work with Operation Foundation in the future. I made some lifelong friends through The Rucksack Club (a hiking club that I joined whilst living in Fiji) and stay in touch with inmates, ex-inmates and my work colleagues. Fiji will forever hold a special place in my heart.

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Melaia Turagaiviu MINISTRY OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

What were the key activities undertaken from the village. Instead, we lived amongst What professional challenges did you on placement? the villagers in their homes. After we did our experience whilst away? I completed my field placement with the community awareness work and interviewed While I eventually adapted to the work Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty clients, we would even join them for lunch environment in Fiji, I did struggle for the Alleviation (MWCPA) in Fiji. MWCPA are a or a kava session. Obviously, this meant first few weeks because I was just not used government agency that aims to address that sometimes boundaries were blurred to the relaxed and relational nature of the issues such as women’s empowerment, child but rules around professional boundaries placement. I was finding it frustrating because welfare, poverty, juvenile rehabilitation and in Australia do not apply as neatly in the I interpreted their laidback approach as them aged care. Pacific. Fiji, particularly rural villages in Fiji, lacking a sense of urgency to help clients. have a more communal culture so I needed to However, once I learnt to be more open In the first few weeks of my placement, I was rethink my understanding of the worker/client minded and got to know the workers a bit based at one of their district offices in a rural relationship in that environment. better, the situation improved. The social/ area and there, I interviewed and assessed community workers I met, also had diverse clients applying for income support. I also I also had to learn to respect cultural protocols views about social work practice. As a result, participated in a few community awareness and traditions whenever we travelled out to it was challenging trying to navigate around projects, where we travelled out to remote work in a different area. For instance, before all the conflicting perspectives amongst the communities and informed them of our beginning our work in a village, we had to workers. services. Most notably, we travelled by boat to consider the authority structure within it. First, a small island called Beqa and spent five days we would ask permission from the Turaga How did you personally grow? there visiting each village and engaging with ni koro (village head) and then go through I am originally from Fiji but have lived in locals. a sevu sevu (welcoming ceremony) and Australia for so long that I had forgotten a lot once we finished our work, we would have a about my roots and culture. It was an amazing Following that experience, I joined the Fiji farewell ceremony. And skipping any of these experience, relearning aspects of my country Juvenile Rehabilitation and Detention Centre ceremonies was never an option. It did not and reconnecting with family I had not seen for boys between 12 and 18 years old. It is an matter if we were running late to see clients in in years. As a result, I feel I came back more organisation that comes under the MWCPA. the next village or just exhausted, we still had confident and with a stronger sense of who I My main task there involved developing a to attend these gatherings. am. manual that would act as a resource tool to educate young alleged offenders on Another major challenge for me was learning Being around other Fijians also taught me remand at the centre. The juvenile centre to confront my own privilege, as a student to be humble and not just because I was manager wanted Torika (fellow student) and from a western country. I became very in an environment where I was forced to I to develop a manual that would contain self-aware in every interaction I had with confront my own privilege but also because information and activities about issues colleagues or clients because I did not want humility itself is a quality that many Fijians affecting young people today. We completed to offend or come across as if my perspective value. Fijians are brought up to not take a draft of the manual and they have promised was better than theirs. I found myself themselves too seriously and you will notice to keep us updated on its progress. refraining a lot more and spent more time that especially through their humour. They listening. tend to make fun of each other and sometimes What did you learn from doing a social work the jokes can be brutally honest. I had to placement in the Pacific? That said, I did also learn to see the value in learn to laugh at myself and have a bit of I learnt many things during my placement. For my own perspective as a Fijian Australian. tease tolerance while I was there. Fijians one, I learnt to be more people/relationship As someone who has a foot in Australia are also brought up to respect elders and orientated in the way that I work and open and Fiji, I could draw knowledge from my value the needs of their family, extended minded to other perspectives. I found experiences in both cultures. My supervisor at family and community. It was refreshing the Fijians I met, both professionally and the Juvenile centre was quite good at giving to leave Australia, where I had more of an personally, very relationship focused. They Torika and I the space to provide feedback individualistic outlook on life, and go to Fiji, especially appreciate it when outsiders join in about the organisation and social work in Fiji. where I suddenly had to see myself as part of and make the effort to not act like a stranger This gave me the opportunity to reflect and a larger community and accept responsibilities or a vulagi around their community. Many share with them my own observations about to that community even if it conflicted with my Fijians get a kick out of seeing non-Fijians the differences and similarities between both own needs. speaking the language, trying local food or countries. joining in on a kava session. On our trip to Beqa Island, we did not separate ourselves

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not know what that would look like in an Australian context, but it is an attitude I plan on incorporating in my work with communities here. However, it would ultimately depend on the rules of the organisation I am with.

Along with that, I was really struck by how much emphasis they placed on respecting cultural protocols. It is something that I already try to do in Sydney, but it was good to be reminded of its importance. I was especially impressed with the way various beliefs, cultures and traditions were celebrated in the organisation. They would not only observe Fijian iTaukei cultural traditions but Christian and Hindu traditions as well. None of these traditions were met with any resistance, nor did it cause any division amongst the workers. While racial tensions How will you use what you’ve learnt (back do exist in Fiji, within the organisation itself home) in Australia? there was a lot of intercultural tolerance and ...workers really My own experience of going back to Fiji, my understanding. Again, this is an approach I country of origin, has made me realise the would like to utilise in Australia. If I ever get immersed value of knowing where you are from and a job in a community development setting, I “ being connected to your culture. I gained would like to create more spaces for that kind themselves in the so much confidence from that reconnection of intercultural dialogue. and it is a theme I would like to explore when communities they working with clients struggling with similar What could be done differently in the identity issues in Australia. I could facilitate implementation of the PIFE initiative?

were working with workshops around identity and culture with different community groups or explore those There is not much I would change however

and took the time themes in a one on one session with a client. I do think all students on PIFE should experience direct client/community work to really get to “ There are also communities in Australia in the Pacific. Most students, I suspect, sign that share similar collectivist values to up for PIFE to develop their cross-cultural know people in that Fijian culture and when working with those awareness skills and I found that I learnt more communities, I plan on being a bit more about that when I was interacting directly community flexible in terms of boundaries. One thing I with clients and the community. That is not really appreciated about social work in Fiji to say that you cannot develop those skills was how workers really immersed themselves working in an office doing policy and research, in the communities they were working with but the cross-cultural learning is limited in an and took the time to really get to know office setting. I was fortunate to experience people in that community. On Beqa Island, both settings and while I got a lot out of the relationship between worker and client both environments, I would still make sure felt a bit more equal and reciprocal because all students spend at least a month of their the worker was willing to share a bit about placement doing some form of direct social themselves. Obviously, there are always work in the Pacific. risks to self-disclosure but the workers I saw were able to strike a good balance between the personal and professional space. I do

westernsydney.edu.au 21 PIFE PROJECT 2017 TEAM SAMOA

22 Western Sydney University PIFE PROJECT 2017

Megan Hilly SAMOA PRISONS AND CORRECTION SERVICES

What were the key activities undertaken What professional challenges did you on placement? experience whilst away? ...has been vital to The opportunities for avenues of tasks to Working in the corrections context within be undertaken throughout my placement Samoa Prisons and Corrections Services, there the developing of experience with Samoa Prisons and were many cross-cultural challenges that “ Corrections services was bountiful. Some presented themselves when engaging with my understanding of these opportunities for students were both colleagues within the office space and

to co-facilitate a selection of rehabilitative with inmates. These challenges surrounding and respecting the programs (such as Anger Management the writing of policy for the agency surfaced

programs, Sex Offender Relapse Prevention as the formulating of the Case Management personhood and programs and mental health programs), System progressed. It became evident that “ curation of new recreational programs, and some factors surrounding case work in a dignity of those the opportunity to write policy for the very Western context, may not have necessarily first Case Management System for Samoa been successful when applying particular who are different to Prisons and Corrections Services. It quickly methods of practice within the Pacific became evident after discussions with my context. This was a constant learning hurdle myself... direct supervisor within Samoa Prisons when undergoing the writing of the Case and Corrections Services that the Case Management System. Management System was at the forefront of necessity and had quite a pressing need It was a constant collaborative effort with within the agency’s operations. There was no Samoa Prisons and Corrections staff and pre-existing method of maintaining effective personnel which was not always smooth case work methods and the keeping of other sailing. However, it was a necessity to ensure affiliated paper-trails, goals of the inmates that the system and handbook would be easily and their movements within the Samoa implemented and understood by all Samoa Prisons and Corrections Services. Once the Prisons and Corrections staff members. aforementioned factors were established, it was very quickly determined my placement Once the Case Management System and experience would be spent in this particular Handbook was completed, the next phase area. of the practicum as mentioned, was the co- facilitation of rehabilitative programs. These What did you learn from doing a social work programs included the Anger Management placement in the Pacific? program, Sex Offenders Relapse Prevention Undertaking a Social Work placement in and mental health orientated programs). the Pacific has widened my perspective on Given the nature of deeply the entrenched effective practice and how to maintain an attitudes and views surrounding mental open-mindedness within a cross-cultural health issues in Samoa being essentially non- setting. This meant being able to adjust existent and very much over-looked, it was quickly to particular Samoan customs and tremendously difficult to engage in a dialogue traditions, and being able to maintain a with the inmates on issues of depression, focus on the goals and objectives of the anxiety and other mental health issues and Samoan Prisons and Corrections services as disorders. an agency. The experience has broadened my thinking on how I will be able to further This surfaced as a challenge during the harness an understanding of and advocate running of programs weekly and certain for those individuals, cultural groups and adjustments were to be made to the structure families I may work with in future. It has been to ensure the weekly messages were the most valuable learning experience I have being delivered in a way that participants had and has been vital to the developing could understand. Close deliberations and of my understanding and respecting the discussions during supervisions with my personhood and dignity of those who are field educator, Luagalau, was monumental different to myself who may be facing a kind to the program’s progress. Her guidance and of adversity in their lives and are in need of knowledge was key to my learning experience support. and professional development on the whole.

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The opportunity “ for personal growth within this particular

learning experience

coincided with my own personal “ growth in quite a monumental way

How did you personally grow (provide How will you utilise what you’ve learnt back What could be done differently in the feedback where appropriate)? home in Australia? implementation of the PIFE initiative? The opportunity for personal growth Ways I will utilise my experiences and what I found the process quite adequate in within this particular learning experience I have learned from my field placement the preparation before the placement coincided with my own personal growth affiliated with Samoa Prisons and Corrections took place. The cultural workshops in the in quite a monumental way. I feel this was Services will be maintaining a continual various fortnightly meetings and logistical solely because of the professionals and the investment in respect for Indigenous preparations were beyond helpful for the families I was surrounded by who allowed communities with both Pacific and non-Pacific homestay accommodation factors and me into their lives with open hearts and the in whatever context or setting and working also, for the actual agency itself; were both kind of welcoming, generous spirit that I collaboratively with these families, groups and informative and offered enough information would never have imagined to be met with individuals in a non-punitive way. for students so as to not impact the students entering into the Pacific Island Field Education experiences going in. In relation to these program. This support given to me by the This kind of cross-cultural social work practice experiences, a positive attitude towards aforementioned people were the driving carries a very unique essence that can be the unknown and allowance for flexibilities force behind my successful completion of easily translatable and transferable into many in plans is crucial. Students should be the practicum in offering not only their own different facets and areas within the Social encouraged to enter the experience with a knowledges and discussions around cultural Work profession. I feel very fortunate to have solid work ethic, positive attitude and an open perspectives, but also their past experiences learned a new skill set that has set me up heart for the best experience possible. within the Social Work sector in the Pacific confidently work with the aforementioned Islands. I have no doubt that I will carry this Pacific and non-Pacific community groups It’s all about what the students make their experience with me as I move forward in my as a result of my placement experience in the experiences to be. career as a Social Worker and will continue to Pacific Islands. uphold them both in practice and in my every day life.

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Fuapepe Seiuli SAMOA PRISONS AND CORRECTION SERVICES

What were the key activities undertaken When the individual first arrives at the prisons on placement? they are assessed by our team and then have I came to realise The Samoa Prisons and Correction Services the option of undergoing a range of treatment core functions are: programs to help them identify their problem that respecting areas. Once their assessment or profiling is “ ≥≥To perform duties and functions and completed by a case worker, they are then cultural differences exercise powers in accordance with the allocated to either sex offending, violent Prisons and Corrections Act and other Acts. offending and general offending programs. can greatly improve ≥≥To manage prisons. I personally planned and prepared three programs which were Anger Management, ≥≥To provide for the management, Healthy Minds, and Healthy Relationships

relationships custody, care and rehabilitation of program. I was also given the opportunity to prisoners lawfully held in custody.

between co-facilitate Sexual Relapse and Domestic ≥≥To perform any other functions given Violence programs. The Anger Management people from “ to it under this Act or any other Act. and Domestic Violence program looks at the During my placement I was heavily involved causes of anger and violent offending, and culturally diverse in intervention programs for the offenders, helps prisoners develop positive behaviour therefore, working under the Department and attitudes, by focusing on accepting backgrounds. service unit, one of the biggest goals was responsibility for their actions. The Sexual to help offenders gain the skills they need Relapse program covers a range of issues to live a law-abiding lifestyle once their including victim empathy, social perspective sentence was complete. One way this may taking and critical reasoning. The aim is to give be achieved is through a range of programs participants the skills and insight they need and interventions which target offending to accept responsibility for their offending behaviour such as anger and domestic behaviour. Lastly, Healthy Minds and Healthy violence. Our Department aims to help Relationships programs were intertwined offenders get their lives back on track with the other programs and these works to by better understanding their offending improve a prisoner’s problem solving, and behaviour and learning new ways to avoid social interaction skills and to help them reoffending. Our Department offers programs understand their personal beliefs and values. that address addiction, violent offending, general offending, sex offending and work to improve a prisoner’s cognitive skills.

westernsydney.edu.au 25 PIFE PROJECT 2017

What did you learn from doing a social work It is important to identify standards that make placement in the Pacific? up culturally competent practices, including ...learning a lot Building relationships based on cultural self-awareness, cross-cultural knowledge, diversity requires understanding and respect skills, and leadership. In addition, over the

about the culture for cultural differences at an individual and past 2 years, the Department Service Unit has

“ organizational level. Cultural bias is often made considerable progress in the number was vital for me to learnt through socialization, and being and quality of programs and interventions unaware of personal biases. This may lead on offer. As a result, the participation understand who I “ to discrimination, misunderstandings and numbers of offenders in programs has conflicts that will affect work relationships jumped significantly, which indicates that the am and where I and service delivery. When I first started offenders are willing and ready for change. this placement, I went in with a mindset of am from. being a super hero and changing the world. What professional challenges did you I had the idea that the western approach of experience whilst away? doing things was the right way and that the My first challenge was the communication Samoan people should take our methods into barrier when it came to facilitating programs consideration to be successful in life. for the offenders and conversing with clients and staff members. I was able to clearly The wonderful staff I worked with at understand the Samoan language, but I could Tafai’gata prison, really helped to broaden not speak it fluently. Therefore, it had limited my perspective on culture values and how by ability to be effective in the agency as I it is implemented in the intervention and believe effective communication provides prevention strategies. For example; religion effective results. During my program planning plays a major role in the Samoan culture. on how to tackle this issue I had to prepare my The people embrace their faith in God and it clients for the sessions beforehand. Making becomes their source of strength and if God sure they know what is going to be discussed is in their life that was what measured as a and prepare them for the next sessions. I successful life. Their world revolved heavily asked for an interpreter to be present and all around God and family. Sooner rather than written material to be available in Samoan. later, I came to realise that respecting cultural During the sessions, I would make sure they differences can greatly improve relationships asked questions on things that seem unclear. between people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Although, I am of Samoan Although I was allocated an interpreter during decent, my whole life I have grown up in the the facilitation of all the programs there were western culture and have become use to the times when the facilitator was not present, western way of living, therefore, going back and the offenders had questions or needed to Samoa was a major culture shock for me. In vital advice on an issue that occurred. During my understanding, the social work profession these absences it was difficult sometimes for is built upon culturally sensitive practices that me to respond. advocate for social and economic justice for those who are disadvantaged, oppressed, and/or discriminated against.

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Secondly, facilitating the programs for the Therefore, learning a lot about the culture assimilation. These have all contributed to male offenders was quite challenging in a was vital for me to understand who I am and the high levels of poverty, unemployment, few of the programs because of the gender where I am from. Whether we acknowledge violence, and substance abuse seen in many inequality. Samoa is a male-oriented culture it or not, we are changed by our experiences Indigenous communities. The key factors I will and women still hold a subservient place in daily. Snippets of conversations, observations, utilize when working with diverse cultures in Samoan society. In short, as children are in and the way people treat us and the way Australia is to work with (rather than working some cultures, so are women in the Samoan we treat people, all change and challenge “on”) Indigenous communities; ensuring culture- they are to be seen and not heard. us constantly. It’s just that most of the time service is culturally competent; and cultivating Over the years there has been a great de- we don’t register or acknowledge the effect networks and relationships. I have found that valuation of women occurring and a long our experiences have on us. I believe effective relationship building is fundamental to cultural tradition of not regarding women’s voices practice stems from observation of people competence and is based on the foundations as authoritative. The male offenders found it and their problems in their own setting. of understanding each other’s expectations difficult to listen or take advice from a women Without knowing or acknowledging it, our and attitudes, and subsequently building facilitator on their issues. observations change our way of thinking and on the strength of each other’s knowledge. experience in life. Despite the many new changes put in place, As a result, at times, it was quite Australia still has a long way to go; too many uncomfortable for both facilitator and client. How will you utilize what you’ve learnt back people in Australia continue to experience As an agency of change we understand how home in Australia? prejudice and unfair treatment. the world is constantly changing and evolving Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country. into new things and that is the same with It is home to the world’s oldest continuous What could be done differently in the Samoa. I believe the clients do not completely cultures, as well as Australians who identify implementation of the PIFE initiative? understand the concept that times have with more than 270 ancestries. As Australia Personally, I would have properly planned changed. Given the nature of this problem, an is becoming more diverse, it’s important my trip beforehand, paying off my flights/ obvious solution is education. to know and understand all the different homestays earlier as well as saving up extra types of cultures. My experience working money for emergencies which could have How did you personally grow? in Samoa, has taught me to become more saved me a lot of trouble that I encountered I have been truly honored to work with culturally competent; to purposefully obtain whilst on my trip. a passionate, dedicated and undeniably education, and seek to understand the nature talented group of people. In such a short of social diversity and oppression. Cultural Every team is made up of different personality time I have learnt so much, and have been competence is about our will and actions types, we all have our ways of working and astounded at the opportunities I’ve been to build understanding between people; to doing things differently. Although, I would given. I found a connection with the culture be respectful and open to different cultural suggest the PIFE initiative send more than two and felt a sense of ‘belonging’. I have perspectives, to strengthen cultural security people to a Pacific Island. I found that a bigger always been aware of the Fa’a Samoa which and work towards equality in opportunity. group seemed to have a better experience basically is a set of guidelines that dictate and connection in their placement, for how Samoans should conduct their lives. The lessons learnt from my placement will example, Tonga and Fiji experience seemed to Therefore, whilst observing the people and help me work more effectively with Pacific be more productive socially and professionally their culture, one interesting aspect was that and Indigenous families and communities than the Vanuatu and Samoa team. this was a concept linked closely with the back in Australia. Many Indigenous families ideals of culture and identity. The fa’aSāmoa and communities in contemporary Australia In conclusion, despite all the unforeseen is known as a ‘socio-economic and political face immense challenges. Their strength circumstances, I had the best experience in framework’ based on the social structure and resilience are compromised by multiple Samoa and would do it all over again in a of the āiga (family), the nu’u (village/polity) complex problems, including historical and heartbeat. under the authority of the matai (chief), ongoing dispossession, marginalization, and pulenu’u (village leader) and fono ole nu’u racism. They also have to live with the legacy (village council). of past policies of forced removal and cultural

westernsydney.edu.au 27 PIFE PROJECT 2017 TEAM TONGA

28 Western Sydney University PIFE PROJECT 2017

Announcia Alamoti VAIOLA HOSPITAL – MENTAL HEALTH UNIT

What were the key activities undertaken What did you learn from doing a social work What professional challenges did you on placement? placement in the Pacific? experience whilst away? Key activities during placement at Vaiola In Vaiola Hospital Mental Health Unit I learnt There were many professional challenges I Hospital Mental Health Unit were co that Social work is a profession that is still experienced whilst working in the Pacific. One facilitating daily activities with the mental under recognized. I found myself constantly of the challenges I faced in the Mental Health health clients. Also facilitating musical group repeating and educating other staff members Unit was Motivation and Productivity from therapy activities that were introduced in to and individuals the role of a social worker and other staff members. I found this very difficult the mental health unit. These activities and its role in the Mental Health unit. Also at times as at times certain tasks from different fields games conducted, were Prayer programs, during placement I found that showing other were not being executed properly. I found this Kava sessions, Aerobics, Arts & Craft, workers and clients my contribution to the to be a very challenging because out of this Singing, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Tapa workplace gave them a little insight into what challenge a patient in the ward died from a printing. Different activities and games were social workers can do in the Mental Health fight, which could have been prevented. completed on each day as a way of using Unit. At times I found that keeping professional clients time in the unit. Completing placement in the mental boundaries challenging with clients, because health unit, the Clinical psychologist was as a worker you spend and invest time into Other tasks I was involved with was data entry overwhelmed not only with work for a improving the clients wellbeing, and that can of questionnaires that had been conducted psychologist but also with work that is become difficult during the discharge process. by the Clinical Psychologists and other Occupational Therapist and Social Worker I experienced this challenge, and I dealt with administration tasks. This was completed would complete. I learnt that there was a big it with my supervisor by openly discussing the weekly as there were mass amounts of data need for a social work in the Mental Health way I was feeling. She provided advice which entry that had not been completed. unit and assisted in areas and tasks where I reassured and refocused myself, that the work felt I was confident in as a social worker. conducted is to help the client’s mental health Informal counselling was another key activity and bring them back in to the community. that was conducted during placement. I found I learnt that all staff members in the Mental myself undertaking a lot of these informal Health Unit work very hard towards not only sessions through conversations with clients, improving the mental health of their patients who would approach me needing someone but also educating their families and friends to talk to. Weekly home visits to families of the patients on the mental health of each and individuals in the community was also individual. Educating families of clients is completed weekly, on Thursdays. The purpose a task that is also a constant challenge for of the home visits was to follow up on clients the Mental health team at Vaiola, the lack of who had been discharged and how they were knowledge about Mental Health means that coping adjusting back into the community. there is a lot of stigma and discrimination that This home visit would consist of the Clinical is faced. Psychologist, Police Officer and Community Worker.

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How did you personally grow? I found myself understanding, connecting This experience and being away from my and really appreciating my Tongan traditions I found myself familiar environment greatly impacted a lot more. Grasping onto a thorough the way I work with clients. I found myself understanding of certain cultural traditions understanding, stepping back numerous times and really such as dress attire. The ‘Tao’vala’ is a woven “ thinking about a situation before proceeding waist mat that is a traditional dress and is

connecting and with action. It helped me step back, think worn to work, church and events. outside the box and take a look at the

really appreciating bigger picture instead of what is right in I was also able to really connect more in front and being quick to act. I was able to terms of the Tongan language as I was able my Tongan “ see this personal growth during the home to strengthen that part of communication visits conducted through placement and with staff and clients and attain confidence traditions a lot how workers would approach clients. I when talking in the language not only with would always think about the actions the clients and staff but with other Tongans in the more. professionals used and also remembered the community and with family members. cultural setting I was in.

The experience in the Pacific was also very humbling and really opened my eyes to appreciate and be grateful for what I already in Australia and embracing it more.

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How will you utilise what you’ve learnt back What could be done differently in the home in Australia? implementation of the PIFE initiative? I found that the Whilst completing placement in the Pacific For future students, I think that homestay with Islands I observed and understood that they someone from their workplace would not be

clients in the are communal in a number of things that ideal for long term. The reason for this is that

“ they do. I found that the clients in the mental the professional boundaries between workers mental health unit health unit responded better when working in become blurred and therefore changes the groups. I observed that they were a lot more way in which workers approach and work with responded better “ vocal being collective and conversations and the students on placement. Also if homestays discussions were a lot deeper, making it more were to be organized by the external social when working in efficient in terms of time getting into the issue work supervisor in the Pacific, then for faster than the 1:1 with the clients. background checks on the homestays families groups. too, this is to ensure the safety of future How I would utilize this in Australia would be students on placement. working with different cultural groups. I would have to keep in mind a way an approach that would work effectively with different cultural groups. An example of this would be through working with Indigenous Australians would be taking the same approach that I have learnt in the Pacific Islands. As I am aware that Indigenous Australians are also very communal, therefore keeping in mind the different ways in which to approach cultural groups.

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Darlene Chuon TONGA FAMILY HEALTH ASSOCIATION (TFHA)

What were the key activities undertaken on What professional challenges did you placement? experience whilst away? My memories The key activities undertaken on placement Working as a Youth Caseworker back in were to outreach into communities and deliver Australia, I am used to policies, procedures, and experiences educational workshops on family planning, work standards and professional boundaries. “ education on sexual reproductive rights, In Tonga, from a Western view, the in Tonga were maternal and child health, and counselling professional boundaries are limitless and assistance. I had the opportunity to observe there appears to be no lines that are drawn

unique and has and learn from the organisation’s registered in which circumstances that can be seen nurse in promoting sexual health issues to the as unprofessional in the western world, is

complete changed community. The organisation and I worked in completely normal and natural. For example, delivering health promotion education about teachers will allow children to come to their my outlook in life “ STI’s, HIV, and safe sex to young people, house to submit papers by a certain time, people at risk and the LGBT communities and one time where I was practicing with the from a different in communities and outer villages and also organisation’s Drama group – we could not to students at the University of the South practice on the Sunday (the day before the perspective. Pacific. I also assisted in condom distribution performance), due to that it was a church and writing up reports for the World Health day, and rather that we would practice the Organisation. midnight after the Sunday had passed. It shocked me in ways where this would What did you learn from doing a social work not happen back in Australia, however, is placement in the Pacific? completely in the norms of their tradition Coming from a Western society, it is that individuals use the Sunday day for family understandably appropriate to be so involved time, and church time – where no music (other in learning from written literature where they than church music) or performances are not are informed by a preponderance of human allowed to happen on a Sunday. learning patterns through the tradition of the printed words. This means that we link written Another professional challenge was the evidence based and theoretical practices cultural context of how the organisation was within our work scope to understand human eager to know about my social life, where I behaviour and how to assist individuals with a had been, what I was doing and where I was crisis. Although this is highly relevant and can going outside of work hours. I struggled quite almost be applied universally – I was able to a bit with this as this was my personal life, and experience and learn through another method was not used to have my employer following of understanding and adaptation in the new up, or intervening my social and work life learning skills. Unlike learning through the balance. Although, I could understand the Western context, I was able to immerse myself necessary precautions they were trying in a non-western indigenous culture in Tonga, to make as I was a foreigner in their eyes by enabling me to step in to a non-literate and only wanted me to be safe. I can also learning pattern that is filtered by spoken understand that it is a cultural responsibility traditions that rely heavily on culture, values, that they felt they had while I was working in ethics, morals and community practice. the organisation.

I did learn that some theoretical practices cannot be applied to solely on individuals only, as the culture reflects not only the individuals, but immediate and extended families to communities also.

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How did you personally grow? How will you utilise what you’ve learnt back What could be done differently in the Travelling to Tonga tested my limits in ways home in Australia? implementation of the PIFE initiative? I had never thought it could. I went through By developing an appreciation and deeper The implementation of the PIFE initiative some experiences that have taught me to be understanding of the Tongan culture and is an opportunity for students to immerse patient, aware and culturally respectful. My society, I will able to utilise my understanding, themselves in a new environment with new memories and experiences in Tonga were and work from a different cultural context with learning opportunities and challenges. unique and has complete changed my outlook Pacific islanders in the community. I feel while in life from a different perspective. I would say working in the Australian Western system, I ≥≥Things could be done differently; my ‘people skills’ is one of the primary things fall into the western practices of the lamenting ≥≥Housing inspections and checklists that I continue to develop about myself. When system and to go along with it, which in turn, before students are placed in homes. I am out in a new country (and I have done may not assist people with different cultural ≥≥Communication process and action quite some individual travelling around the backgrounds and can further damage cultures processes are streamlined with student’s world), I am usually forced to make decisions and connection to their communities. I believe requests by Field Educators. in meeting new people. The exposure to the learning process has made me become people with different backgrounds, stories, a better problem solver and independent ≥≥Change of work placement morals and values has often leads to thinker where I can find a creative way in organisations on request. interesting conversations that I will savour for becoming more retrospective with my work the rest of my life. experience in Tonga.

This in all, has improved my communication skills and has help me build up my network in acquaintances - and within a few “ conversations, I was boarding from a house I believe the learning process has made me where I had to shower by boiling water in a kettle and mixing it with cold water from a become a better problem solver and independent bucket, to living with one of the wealthiest “ families in Tonga (with hot showers of course)! thinker...

Other aspects on my experience on personal growth was the immediate understanding and similarity of the Tongan culture with family and communities in comparison to my Khmer background. It felt quite similar with some intergenerational misunderstanding and conflicts in the workplace, and the familiarity back at home. The experience made me understand that this is the nature of the culture and tradition to uphold values, morals, and ethics and only to be passed down to generations to come. It made me appreciate my grandparents ways of teachings and where they are coming from and trying to understand from a millennial western viewpoint also.

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Bridgette Kizana WOMEN AND CHILDREN CRISIS CENTRE

What were the key activities undertaken on it meant that I had to reshape and redefine placement? my role and expectations during my time What is deemed At the Women and Children Crisis Centre there to effectively work within the Tongan (WCCC), I had the opportunity to participate community. At times, it was important for

as appropriate or in training around domestic violence and me to explain to workers and clients what

“ the mental health consequences of gender- exactly my role is and how I can successfully efficient practice in based violence. I was able to liaise with staff utilise my skills and abilities. What is deemed to independently create and facilitate relevant as appropriate or efficient practice in Australian, did not “ workshops for the clients at the safe house Australian, did not necessarily work best in (refuge) such as positive thinking and self- Tonga. An example of this was the way in necessarily work esteem for the women, health and nutrition which sessions or workshops would be run. for both the staff and clients and arts and The Tongan community has a great deal of best in Tonga. craft for the children. I also co-facilitated respect for elders or people in positions that parenting workshops for young mothers appear to be of higher authority, which can be with staff members. Where available, I was shown differently to western countries. This involved with the counsellors and police impacted the way I would conduct sessions or work in advocating on behalf of clients which workshops, as often clients would not make would involve professionally confronting their eye contact, would agree with what was being abusive partners to return their children or said by default or wait until asked a question. possessions including passports. It was significant for me to make note of this Every week the staff members would come practice to ensure that I take extra caution together with 3 anonymous stories from around my position and how I would approach women and children who may be experiencing discussions with them that allowed them to domestic violence seeking advice. I was feel comfortable enough to share genuine involved in conversations and debates around thoughts. these stories on best practice, solutions and what WCCC can offer before they would In Australia, we have a range of different broadcast it on the radio to raise awareness. opportunities and services available in terms of welfare and other areas of our What did you learn from doing a social work lives. There are laws and policies that serve placement in the Pacific? to protect people and promote equality for Within Tonga, the social work profession is all. Tonga are still developing specific laws not as common as in western countries and a that promote child protection and gender social worker role is not clearly understood by equality. An example of an existing unequal a vast majority of the community. Due to this, law is women are not allowed to own land. For women and children experiencing domestic violence, this creates situations where men are automatically given rights to their homes and women are forced to leave with no opportunity to purchase their own. However, as a result of the strong community support, often relatives or friends will allow them to live in their homes.

When I initially arrived in Tonga, the only difference I knew about professional attire was that they were able to wear flip-flops or sandals to work. My host family supported me in educating and providing me with other appropriate cultural clothing such as a tupenu (wrapped garment) and a kiekie (ornamental girdle worn around waist on top of clothing) for work and other formal occasions.

34 Western Sydney University PIFE PROJECT 2017

What professional challenges did you things in life from seeing and being a part experience whilst away? of a strong community connection where In terms of verbally communicating with materialistic things are not of importance. I both staff and clients, there was a significant had the astonishing experience of swimming language barrier. Though many were able with whales on a number of occasions, to speak English, some comments, phrases conquering my fear of the ocean by throwing or questions were often misunderstood. For myself in the deep end (literally). clients that were unable to speak English, a staff member would usually translate and How will you utilise what you’ve learnt back speak on behalf of the client and myself in home in Australia? order for us to have a conversation. As a It is vital for social workers that are working student coming from a western country, it with people within the Tongan community became evident rapidly that there was a who are living in Australian to understand hierarchy and as a foreigner from a western what their reality of particular situations country, I felt a sense of privilege that was may be and to eliminate the western The confidence I now have is a tool I can apply automatically given to me. The challenge was assumptions as well as ways of thinking in to both my personal, student and work life ensuring that I did not do or say things that order to effectively provide support. There and hope to excel further in all areas. took advantage of this privilege or that may may be circumstances where clients are not What could be done differently in the come across as demeaning. The slow pace in aware of their rights or available services implementation of the PIFE initiative? which things would progress in my workplace and this would have to be explained prior. During my time in Tonga, I had experienced setting was something I had struggled with When running workshops on self-esteem or falling off my bike and grazing a large in the beginning of my placement, as things positive thinking at the safe house, it was not area of both my knees as well as being move quickly in Australia. At times, I struggled effective for me to ask questions that were stung by an unknown sea creature while with the differences of the policies and individualised or directed personally. The swimming in the ocean. In both scenarios, procedures within the agency and needed to clients preferred to discuss quotes from the there was someone close by that offered sit with a worker to de-brief. This allowed me bible that made them feel empowered as they knowledgeable assistance and had a first aid to shift my thinking and continue to work with felt it was more valuable and a way for them kit with them. Injuries are unpredictable and an open-mind. . to connect with themselves. This reiterates the importance of asking clients what works mine were manageable, however, this may How did you personally grow? best for them and emphasises the relevance not always be the case. It may be effective In the beginning of my time in Tonga, I felt of a person-centred practice. for future students to have first aid training overwhelmed, ethically challenged and home as a compulsory requirement to be able to sick. The culture shock is a pretty obvious As stated earlier, what may seem like reliable respond to fellow students effectively if an response but by going as a vegan and having practice in western countries may not be the injury occurs. In addition, having students never left Australia prior, I was undergoing best approach when working with Pacific pack a first aid kit with them on their travel numerous inner conflicts. However, I quickly people living in Australia. When working with could be beneficial as there are limited overcame these barriers that were stopping a community with a Pacific Island background resources in Tonga. me from giving this unique experience in Australia, I would take into consideration As settling into placement in a foreign one hundred percent, surprising myself on the implementation of some practices I country can be difficult, it may be helpful to how resilient and adaptable I am in new viewed and used in Tonga such as the use ensure that students are placed in the same environments. Through living and working of prayer before meetings or supplying accommodation, as it was quite challenging independently with the support of fellow food to encourage coming together. This and lonely being in a home stay on my own. It students and colleagues, I discovered a could help to make Tongan clients feel more would also be valuable if the homestays were new-found confidence within myself. This engaged, connected to their roots and ensure not arranged with a local from our placement confidence helped me excel better in my work they are willing to engage. One of the most agencies, as it was difficult to establish placement, socialisation and self-esteem. fundamental methods when working with communities from the Pacific is not to assume professional boundaries and have a space I developed a deeper understanding, that we know what is best for them but to let to go home to where I was able to switch admiration and respect for the Tongan culture, them tell us how we can assist them in the off. Further to this, a greater emphasis and language and way of living. The simplicity of best way possible. background check on ensuring the safety of the lifestyle allowed me to find peace within students in terms of whom they are living with myself, reduce the high levels of stress often On a personal level, I will apply the skills I have and what their living conditions are like would experienced in Australia’s fast-moving society learnt in regards to resilience, strength in my be beneficial. and develop greater patience with both myself current relationships and the promotion of and others. It helped me value the authentic self-care by putting less pressure on myself.

westernsydney.edu.au 35 PIFE PROJECT 2017 TEAM VANUATU

36 Western Sydney University PIFE PROJECT 2017

Fatme El-Cheikh Issa DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND SPORTS

Upon arriving in Vanuatu, I was greeted by After settling in for a few days and spending a work colleague who placed a traditional time with our host family, we visited the Vanuatu is a hand-made necklace around my neck and Wan SmolBag Theatre Youth Centre, welcomed me into her country. We were then where we were undertaking our student country bounded driven to a colleague’s house for a traditional placement. The youth centre tackled many “ ground-cooked dinner called ‘Lap-lap’. On areas such as nutrition, sports, sexual health by their culture, my second night, my host parents introduced and environment. They also focused on us to the chief of Erakor village where we drama and acting, and soon enough I had and many of the were located. We presented him with a mat recognised Wan SmolBags achievements my host family had created from banana across the island. Throughout the week I had locals I spoke to leaves, which they had cut off a tree from participated in activities such as pottery, their backyard. The chief was a wise, well- cooking class and sports with the youth. I had feared the loss of respected and knowledgeable man who had also observed one of their Hip-Hop classes, asked me why I had become silent throughout and was taken aback by the talent and effort

their culture due to the night. He then shared the following shown by many of the young youth. I had with me: “Silence can be a great paradox: asked one of the youth to teach me some

westernisation and it can represent anger and frustration, but moves, to which they reacted excitedly and can also represent happiness and comfort,” began discussing amongst each other what social media, and “ to which I wholeheartedly responded: playlist to dance to. I was partnered up with “I am comfortable.” I was overwhelmed two young boys between the ages of eight the influence it has with appreciation for the generosity that to twelve, and they spent the afternoon surrounded me. The first few days of settling teaching me. Although language was a had on its youth. in once you’ve moved away from familiarity barrier, it further demonstrated the power of are crucial, and the chief’s words along with art through music and acting, and I witnessed the welcoming I had received within those their passion and determination in what they two days resonated throughout my student do. We visited Wan Smolbags weekly fireshow placement. At times when I felt homesick at The Beach Bar almost every Friday. Shortly or was presented with challenging and after, we were presented with a second unexpected situations, these strong Ni-Van placement objective, which involved creating values of love and support had motivated me a government proposal on suicide awareness to persevere and continue to grow and learn and prevention. Many of my key activities from this unique experience. surrounding this proposal and throughout my work placement involved meetings and discussions surrounding the topic of mental health and suicide. Since statistics were alarming, I found myself incorporating discussions of socio-economic and social work issues into every day conversations with locals and ex-pats, where I gathered much of my information and personal knowledge. Key activities outside of placement mainly involved spending time with my host family, who I grew extremely fond of. I also aimed at exploring as much of Vanuatu as I could, and this meant visiting places such as the Blue Lagoon (shown below), Cascade waterfalls and my personal favourite, the volcano at Tanna Island.

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Undertaking my student placement in the As a social worker in Vanuatu, I experienced Pacific challenged and expanded my pre- professional challenges such as working with My connection existing understanding of how culture affects limited resources, practicing professional different groups in society. I was charmed at boundaries and not letting feelings with my host the village system across Vanuatu, and how of homesickness and stress affect my “ different villages operated and interacted with professional practice. The challenges I was

family became others. I was also intrigued at how each village presented with pushed me to become a carried out its own traditions and beliefs. greater social worker. They taught me skills

the greatest Through research and discussions, I came to in perseverance, taking initiative and trusting realise that there are similar patterns across my own instincts. These are some of the skills experience that I “ other Pacific countries. Vanuatu is a country that I did not anticipate to work on before bounded by their culture, and many of the my placement but nonetheless, have helped took back with me locals I spoke to feared the loss of their culture shape my identity as a social worker. Because due to westernisation and social media, Vanuatu was limited in resources (research, to Australia. and the influence it has had on its youth. By internet, libraries) I was forced to utilise other undertaking my placement in the Pacific, I means of professional practice and mainly could apply my skills as a social worker while conducted my research through networking immersing myself into the one culture. This is with members of the community. This meant an advantage I am thankful for, since it may be that majority of my research was reliant on a challenge to gain such experience while in communicating with others and through this, Australia due to its multiculturalism. I was able to build on skills of networking, e-mailing, and organising meetings. This also meant that I could build on my professional identity as a social worker. To be able to build on these skills while in a different country was a unique learning curve that I feel is an advantage to my career as a social worker. I found that researching into suicide prevention and awareness while in Vanuatu was a significantly different experience to conducting similar research in Australia. In Australia, many of the social work research topics relevant to Australia have been conducted and I have always found a good foundation to begin with. I also found that I had some indication of the magnitude of the issue. While in Vanuatu, topics such as a mental health and suicide were not generally considered and therefore, there was greater potential for research.

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Before arriving in Vanuatu, I unconsciously The PIFE initiative has a strong and achievable viewed the experience regarding the work I goal. As a student who did not know much would undertake. Upon arriving I recognised about the Pacific islands before embarking the heavy impact that other areas played on the journey I now feel like I have expanded on my professional and personal life. I was my knowledge and understanding amongst located with a family of six, who have become different communities existing within a significant part of my life. On our days off, Australia. I am thankful that PIFE has allowed the children would teach us to make Lap-lap, me to network with other students, travellers a traditional dish made from banana and and community members of Vanuatu. coconut. We would play football, climb trees The experience pushed me to grow and and watch movies. My host parents played allowed me to work on skills essential to a role in guiding me on my experience, and my professional career as a social worker I could reflect on my daily experiences with and to my personal growth. However, as a them. When we first arrived, they provided student pioneering in Vanuatu I would have us with food and company and made us feel appreciated a more specific role, especially comfortable. They pushed me to grow and at the Wan Smolbag Theatre youth centre. become a wiser social worker and person. Being new to a country and workforce is My connection with my host family became daunting, and I would have appreciated more the greatest experience that I took back with points of contact as at times I struggled to me to Australia. When placement was not find someone outside of the workforce to going as expected or I was presented with communicate with about significant issues. I challenging situations, my host family were believe this would have significantly improved there to guide and support me. Because I my mental health while in Vanuatu. I am was living independently, away from home thankful that the PIFE initiative has allowed and away from quick access to my university me to create lifelong friends and relationships. teachers and peers, I was forced to become more independent with my decisions. I am now more confident with taking initiative and trusting my own judgement. I have grown to become more comfortable in communicating with different parties, and have become more confident in myself as a person. I generally would not choose a position where I was mainly researching however, working in Vanuatu taught me that research plays a massive role in creating change, and without research, there is no basis for action.

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Jessica Lin DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND SPORTS

What were the key activities undertaken on need to be addressed in order for social work placement? to become a known term in the future. I also I gained a new We had the opportunity to immerse had to constantly ensure that I was being ourselves into the culture of Vanuatu through culturally adaptive, for example the Pacific understanding accompanying agency staff to events such as Islander culture may be seen as generally very “ weddings. This was important in placement relaxed and easy-going with everything. This on cross-cultural as it enables us to implement agency services includes their attitudes towards workplace through a sense of understanding and expectations as well. As a student from a work through familiarity with the community’s expectations western culture which is very fast paced and their beliefs. We also accompanied the and punctual with workplace expectations, experiencing a supervisor to multiple meetings where we I had to step back and reposition myself in a were able to gain a better understanding of way that flowed with the laid-back lifestyle different culture in the working structures of Vanuatu as well as of Vanuatu. I have also become aware of the observing how they conduct their meetings different ways that the Pacific community

person rather than compared to the western culture. One of our understands a certain topic compared to main tasks was to write a research proposal western culture. I felt that this was very

listening to others in our chosen area of interest. In order to insightful for me as it is important to be able validate the research proposal’s paper, we to understand where a client’s beliefs of a telling me about “ were required to meet with several Ministers certain idea are shaped from. This also makes (Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Youth and building rapport much more effective as what their culture Sports) to gather information on relevant they can feel that you are making an effort policies and identify the gaps that may to get to know who they are. Through my is like. need to be addressed. Towards the end of research proposal (on disability) I was able to placement we developed a services directory understand the extent a developing country in Vanuatu which would provide a great compared to a developed country can differ source of reference for services available in in terms of policies and perceptions on things. Vanuatu. This included services such as the For example, the western culture seems to be Ministries, women’s centre, disability care and very aware of how persons with a disability youth centres. . can be marginalised and work on preventing that from happening. There is also a strong What did you learn from doing a social work awareness of the different types of disabilities placement in the Pacific? including the physical, social and mental Social work is not something that is aspect and there are endless support services understood universally. During our placement for them. Through my research however, I we had to sit back at one point to redefine our found that Vanuatu did not show as much role as a social worker and think about what awareness of the mental or social aspect of we could do for them. As social work is not disability compared to the physical aspect. It is something that may formally exist in Vanuatu important to acknowledge that when you are it was very hard for us to involve ourselves working with people of different cultures, it is within the agencies and offer our assistance necessary to be aware of what their definition on a practical level. Therefore we decided of a certain topic is and that will help shape that research was the best option in order to your role as a social worker for that individual. build a structure and identifying what may

40 Western Sydney University PIFE PROJECT 2017

What professional challenges did you How did you personally grow? How will you utilise what you’ve learnt back experience whilst away? While in Vanuatu I did not have a lot of home in Australia? As mentioned, I experienced Pacific Islander luxuries that I had back in Australia and When working with clients in the future I culture as being very laid back and relaxed people in Vanuatu were very easy going and hope to be able to show that I am genuinely with everything, and they like to usually go content with what they had. It prompted me interested in understanding how they with the flow. This also meant that things to realise how a more simpler life could make define certain topics and what their beliefs such as meeting times and dates were very anyone happy and be content if they wanted are. I feel that Culturally and Linguistically flexible. I found it slightly difficult to get used to. I came back to Australia being more Diverse (CALD) individuals in particular may to as I was so used to being on time with appreciative of what I have grown up with struggle with settling into their lifestyle in a meetings and finalising a set date. Although and the luxuries that I have been given. I also different country when the people in it do I understood that it was their lifestyle and came back with an even more open-minded not try to understand them. Through my for them it is very common, there were times attitude towards my interactions with friends research proposal on disability that I wrote, I which I felt it was difficult for me to adapt to. and families. I felt that I wanted to make sure have understood disability in the context of I feel that it may be because I have always I understood their point of view and where Vanuatu. I would like to ensure that I am able grown up being taught to be punctual and their opinions are shaped from. As I was to develop and utilise a diverse understanding be prepared and set times and dates for learning something new every day in Vanuatu towards disability and continue to learn what things. Failure to do so would have a negative such as speaking their national language, disability may mean for individuals from reaction from others and therefore I grew figuring out how to get to and from places cultures other than the western culture. up with the idea that if I did not plan things and exploring new places, I came back feeling properly I would disappoint people. I feel more confident. I gained a new understanding What could be done differently in the that the feeling of not wanting to disappoint on cross-cultural work through experiencing a implementation of the PIFE initiative? people has been imbedded in me and different culture in person rather than listening It may be useful to discuss with the placement therefore triggers an automatic reaction to to others telling me about what their culture is agencies exactly what the student could be feeling the need to do things ‘right’. I feel this like. The first-handed experience has provided involved in doing in advance before their is what influenced my struggle to become me with a very valuable learning opportunity. arrival to the places. This will ensure that time used to the laid back culture of Vanuatu. It I feel that learning experiences are much more is not spent on figuring out what the students has also allowed me to understand how these effective when you are able to experience it in could do after their arrival to the placement same situations could happen with clients we person and therefore strengthens your ability agency. Ensuring that a pre-placement may be working with in the future who come to critically analyse things. interview is taken place may also help the from different cultures and who may have student and the supervisor to discuss what been experiencing the same thing as me. tasks they could undertake in the placement and for the student to communicate with them what they hope to get out of the placement. As research ended up enabling me to learn a lot of things in a different culture, it may provide future students with a valuable learning experience too. If they do decide to do research I feel it would be useful to discuss with the onsite supervisor in advance what they could do to help the research become more valid. For example scheduling interviews with the Ministers to ask them questions regarding existing policies could be useful. Additionally it is helpful to also provide the student constant guidance on the structure of their research and checking on their progress on a frequent basis.

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