Uncovering Social Work's Colonial Roots and Legacies

Uncovering Social Work's Colonial Roots and Legacies

Why should social work students care about the profession’s colonial history? In this episode, hosts Dr. Sharlotte Tusasiirwe and Dr. Abigail Joseph Magwood speak with Dr. Sonia Tascone to uncover how colonialism continues to shape social work education, practice, and knowledge today. Through global perspectives from Australia, Germany, Uganda, and the UK, they explore Eurocentric curricula, language dominance, racialized power dynamics, and the marginalisation of Indigenous ways of knowing. The conversation highlights the importance of discomfort, embodiment, and creative expression in decolonising practice.

Understanding Indigenous Communities’ Approach towards holistic well-being

What does ‘Wellbeing’ truly mean, and who gets to define it? In this episode, host Henglien Lisa Chen speaks with Dr. Wasiq Silan, an Indigenous scholar from Taiwan, to explore holistic, community-rooted understandings of care. They reflect on colonial legacies, power dynamics, and the risks of using neoliberal frameworks to achieve decolonisation. Drawing on Indigenous principles like Gaga and Malahan, the episode challenges dominant models and offers powerful lessons in cultural humility, relational care, and reflective practice. A thought-provoking listen for social work students, educators, and practitioners seeking to decolonise from the inside out.

Beyond England’s Professional Capability Framework (PCF)

In this episode, we go beyond England’s Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) to explore its limitations in addressing global social justice and culturally diverse perspectives in social work field education. Hosted by Henglien Lisa Chen, our guests Phyllis Ngai and Shabnam Ahmed share insights on Indigenous rights, UNDRIP, and the need to challenge Western-centric frameworks. They offer practical strategies for educators and students to adopt more inclusive, critically reflective approaches to placement learning. The episode highlights specific ways UK social work education can engage with global and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Rethinking Field Placements for Cultural Relevance

What does a culturally relevant field placement look like in social work education? In this episode, host Ann Anka hosts a powerful dialogue with Dr. Carlene Cornish and student Zahra Farkane to explore how dominant placement models often overlook the lived realities of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic students. Drawing on the Sawubona model—an Afrocentric framework grounded in dignity, empathy, and seeing the whole person. The conversation offers tools to support inclusive learning and challenge racial bias. Whether educator, student, or practitioner, this episode invites reflection on power, identity, and transformative supervision.

Community Care and Collective Healing in Social Work

What does it mean to practise social work rooted in culture, community, and collective care? In this episode, guest Thierry Kwizera, a social worker from Burundi, joins host Henglien Lisa Chen to explore how community-led models challenge dominant Western frameworks. From gender-based violence interventions to environmental social work, Thierry shares how culturally grounded, group-based approaches create space for empowerment and healing. Together, they reflect on the importance of centering local voices, respecting cultural norms, and resisting top-down international aid. A powerful conversation for anyone reimagining social work beyond individualism and towards sustainable, community-based change.