Localising Social Work: Lessons Learnt from a Community Based Intervention amongst the Bedouin in Jordan

Abstract

This paper presents an example of local social work practice in Jordan in the health field. It draws on a research study on Bedouin health in the North Eastern Badia. The project developed, implemented and evaluated a training intervention developed in partnership with a range of providers for improving local social work practice. Evaluation methods used included a pre and post test, focus group discussions and students' field notes. Findings revealed the significance of promoting culturally competent practice to respond to local health and social needs. Students and practice assessors agreed that the training interventions were an effective way to implement theory into local practice in relation to Bedouin society. This training intervention is an example of developing local social work practice as a way of responding critically to social inequalities.

Keywords:

• Localised Social Work Practice
• Social Work
• Cultural Competence
• Community Based Teaching
• Bedouin Health
• Jordan