In This Issue - THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER Online

women had the opportunity to ask questions
and gain a better understanding of
the different types of cancer, diet, and
exercise. Many of the women participated
in practical exercises in which
they were able to share with the group
some healthy habits they used on a daily
basis. Some women shared new ideas
and other ways they could benefit from
annual physical exams, mammograms,
pelvic tests, HIV/AIDS tests, dental
exams, and monthly breast self-exams.
The objectives of the workshop were
met, as the women had many opportunities
to interact with the presenter and
other women regarding their thoughts
and concerns about cancer and awareness.
Many of the women also picked up
additional skills in learning how to make
beautiful beads (advanced bead-making).
Later, while in Abuja, I had the
opportunity to visit Oze Odigbe (Igbe
King) of Abuja Territory. There was a
group waiting to welcome my group with
music (traditional instruments) and dancing.
The king welcomed us to Abuja and
told us of the history of the city and some
of his responsibilities as king. His chiefs/
officers shared many of the traditional
customs and culture of the people. They
also provided a special African meal
for us to sample the foods. The meal
included one of their specialized soups
(pepper soup), goat stew with white rice,
fresh vegetables, and a favored drink of
their culture, palm vine.
Implications for Social Work
The international travel to Nigeria,
Africa has given me another perspective
of the country and the people who live
there. While in Abuja, Nigeria, I spent
some time with one of the local social
workers, Ms. Priscilla Nwokenn. She
spoke about her community challenges
and lack of some resources, medication,
and learning centers. Ms. Nwokenn reported
many cases of HIV/AIDS clients
(adults and children) in need of basic
medical care and social support systems.
I also had an opportunity to visit a
local school in Abuja, Nigeria. There was
one room for approximately 25 children
who attended daily. The school was
developed by Mr. and Mrs. Nwanya for
children without means to pay for their
education. The children were eager to
learn, and one student proudly recited
his alphabet for me. I realized from the
building that the school and students
could benefit from additional resources
to make them more successful. I had
been advised to take gifts for children, so
I provided coloring books and crayons,
to the children’s delight.
While in Nigeria, I also learned some
traditions, like how to wear their traditional
clothing. I learned about styles, fabrics,
and when clothing patterns are changed
for different occasions and ceremonies.
This gave me a better understanding of
the local people and surrounding cities.
This was an extremely enlightening
experience for me. I look forward to other
international travel, because it will better
prepare me to advocate for individuals
and families from other cultures. I have
acquired a new level of awareness, respect,
and understanding of social service
needs in Nigeria.
In closing, as a Ph.D. student in
the Department of Social Work, Norfolk
State University, I find that there
are many opportunities for social work
students, social work educators, and
other helping professionals to become
involved with community development
projects and international social work.
I encourage them to seek out these opportunities
and to take advantage of the
learning experience.
Molly N. Williams, MSW, PLCSW, is a doctoral
student at Norfolk State University Department
of Social Work. She has a bachelor’s
degree in psychology and a master’s degree in
social work from Fayetteville State University.
She served in the United States Army for 22
years and was honorably discharged in 2002.
She practiced social work at the United States
Special Operations Command, Sustainment
Brigade; at Womack Army Medical Center;
and in the Army Community Services.
She has studied the Yoruba language and
African Society Culture at the Department of
Sociology, Covenant University. Her research
interests are military families, international
social work, and the aging population.
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