20 Important Things that the Social Worker should have before leaving for field

It can be tough for social worker in India for surviving on field work without proper preparation.Here the preparation means that what things that you should be equipped before leaving your hostel. The first thing in our college orientation was for keeping minimum luggage preferably a rack sack or small hand bag. However after being on field for several days and times, I have come across a list of things that will make less things to be carried for field work in India.

So let’s begin with bedding stuff- it is most important because you have to have a good sleep and be fresh the next day for some strenuous work. I will suggest to buy a single size mat. Generally, the house would have mud floor which are quite uneven and this mat will help to even out surface. Over it spread a thick cotton bed-sheet, which will be quite comfortable. During summer and raining season, one quilt or sheet can be enough to cover yourself. For pillow……you can fold two or three shirt into fold and put it under head. It is not the best way but still it will work.

Next we go to clothes, it will be one of the base on which the people have an emphasis and noticed. So it has to perfect,and for that Indian formals (long sleeves cotton kurtas with patialas and salwars) will be suitable in rural areas. It will also help to protect the body from the mosquitoes, insects and harsh sunlight. Along with it will be ideal to carry a light color duputta or stoles (cotton) to cover head and face from the dust or dirt. If you have allergic to dust, then it would be best to visit a doctor before going on filed because the symptoms like running nose and sneezing and reddening of face can get worst. For extra protection from sun, an umbrella is a sound option. 

Further, it would be best to have chappals with good sole or water proof sandals. Sandals will be problematic because in villages every time you visit a house, it has to be removed.

Besides, there are other things provided below (should be bought in small bottles or sachets)

·        Sunscreen

·        Sanitisers

·        Dettol (putting in the bathing water in bucket)

·        Odomos (mosquito repellent)

·        Lotion for insect or bug bite( Caladryl)

·        Face wash

·        Wet tissues paper

·        Body lotion

Here to relieve yourself, from itching of mosquitoes bites or skin infection neem(Azadirachta indica) bath can bath cure. So pour three to four mug of hot water in bucket, put neem leaves in it. leave it for 1 to 2 hours. remove the leaves from water and mix either hot orcold water and take bath. 

  

In terms of food, as you should have enough amount of biscuits, dry fruits , oats or maggie and other packet food will help a lot it because in the area where I was placed do not have a tradition of having a breakfast. People have food which is equivalent to breakfast and lunch before the mid day.

After the stock of bottles of water from the campus drys out, the real question comes that whether the body will adapt the water present in the village?. Even though the faculties says that social worker should be strong and trust the water but we all know that everyone is not equal. So the best ways to be sure that you are safe hands is to have an access to mineral water. Generally it will be available at local ration shops.  The next option is to have a small bottle of chlorine. After the drops gets dissolved in the bottle and then has to left alone till the impurities are settled down.

Now coming to washing clothes and bathing. Generally there is scarcity of water in the village , so avoid washing clothes as possible because it can cause a problem for the family whom you would be staying. I would like to warn people who have sensitive skin may get rashes because of water, so just have to careful. For the other it will be fine.

One more tip would be to not to carry a smart phone because it might get lost or stolen. So if possible the basic phone model with buttons would be fool- proof. If you have to presentation and are planning to bring laptop then make sure that you clear about how many hours electricity is present.

The above are some of the tips and things that remember helped me a lot, while I was working in the field.