How to Become a Social Worker & What are the challenges?

We believe ordinary people with extraordinary vision and tenacity make up real leaders. Finding a real social worker and leader has never been simple. The “SBI Youth for India ” Fellowship Program debut marks the start of the search for India’s Real Leaders—young people who want to know India better, care for its citizens, and drive change for a better India.

50 young men and women from across India will be chosen and trained to take on the challenge of becoming Social Workers & Real Leaders through a transformational experience in the heart of ‘Real India,’ which is home to 70% of India’s population.

‘SBI Youth for India’ invites outstanding young professionals and graduates to spend a year in rural India working on projects with experienced non-governmental organisations to catalyse rural development. Join the movement to change your life and the life of rural India.

Also Read: Career Opportunities and Jobs after SBI youth fellowship program

The Metamorphosis

Will you be bitten by a snake? No, instead you would be gripped by a whole new world and the raw intelligence of an Indian village. You would learn about life in India’s villages, the customs and traditions, and how they impact development.

You will also discover what afflicts the rural economy and how value can be created at the “bottom of the pyramid.” In essence, you will understand what is important if India is to become a truly developed nation, as well as what it will take to get there.

The transformation begins the moment you are chosen. Consider your most impressive self and apply here. A panel of experts will review the applications. If you are chosen, you will be trained for your journey to the rural setting. Your abilities will be evaluated, and you will be assigned to ‘your’ village and ‘your’ NGO, where the process of becoming a social worker and social leader will begin.

You will collaborate closely with the NGO and be educated and trained to impact rural lives with the help of a mentor. The greatest discovery of all, the discovery of your own self — your values and your determination to lead change — begins here.

What are the on-field Challenges?

Your real challenge wouldn’t be about how you will adapt to the rural setup. Rather, it will be to think of India as an inclusive country that cannot truly progress, without rural India progressing. 

Just two years ago, 16,196 farmer suicides were reported. In rural areas, there is a daily per capita income of 25 rupees. Contrast it to yours. To think better, not to feel better. There are roughly 600,000 villages in our country, 25% of which lack year-round access to drinking water, and 75% of which use water of subpar quality. Due to poor reproductive health among women and deliveries assisted by untrained midwives, both mother and child frequently pass away during childbirth. The average literacy rate is 50–65%, and among women in underdeveloped areas, it can be as low as 20–25%.

Also Read: Challenges and Problems in Rural India

It is not all blind spots in rural India. Stories of change are innumerable. If it is one Mr Swamy and Mrs Chinni in Purkal, a small village in the foothills of Himalayas, it is a Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi in Jambur, Gujarat. They are the Real heroes of India. And this is your chance to become one.

 Your country, your chance!