Culturally relevant social work in Oceania: Reflections and perceptions

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This article presents reflections of junior staff and final year students at a regional academic institution based in Oceania. Reflections are based on the theme, “What culturally relevant social work in the Oceania context encompasses.” METHOD: The reflections were gathered as part of a talanoa (discussion) and evaluation focused on the same theme at an international symposium, where students were participants. Even though the talanoa also included social service stakeholders, this article primarily focuses on reflections from students and junior staff at the university. FINDINGS: Reflections add to recommendations for social work education at a regional university. Culturally relevant social work for respondents meant that the curriculum needed to be inclusive of alternative forms of assessments; encouraging the use of Pacific language; advocating for more Pacific scholars in social work education; promoting collaborations with other international organisations and institutions; and, most importantly, making the institution a regional hub for Pacific social work education that is research informed. IMPLICATIONS: These reflections are outlined and explored further in this article and recommendations are offered for the continual development and sustainability of social work education in Oceania.