Rad Fatani - Youth social worker
A passion to empower others inspired Rad Fatani to study a Bachelor of Social Work.
“I chose the University of Auckland because of the reputation that the BSW programme has in all of New Zealand. I was also aware that the two practicums would give me a better chance to experience the profession as a student practitioner.
“There are great support services available such as Pasifika Success and ESSA, the students' association. The librarians helped me find the resources I needed for assignments.
“The lecturers and tutors are very supportive and are always willing to answer questions. One specific highlight was being able to finally recognise the theories we had been learning for the first two years in actual practice in my first placement."
My advice for anyone who has the passion for social justice, equality and fairness and also has desire to help the community and society that they live in, is this programme is for you.
“I have gained a variety of skills that I will be able to use as a social work practitioner. These include cultural awareness, interviewing, self-awareness, rapport building, networking and also an understanding of social and practice theories.
“I am currently employed as a youth social worker. I am using the skills from the degree through my supervision at work and also through constant reflection of practice. I know how to identify the many things that I need to work on in order to become a more effective practitioner.
“My advice for anyone who has the passion for social justice, equality and fairness and also has desire to help the community and society that they live in, is this programme is for you.
“Now I plan to gain experience in other sectors of the social work profession and to hopefully study a masters in the near future.”