Leh, Ladakh | 2nd March 2026: The Department of Social Work at Eliezer Joldan Memorial College (EJM College), Leh, has successfully completed a 10-day Academic Exposure and Field Learning Visit to New Delhi under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
The programme aimed at strengthening academic knowledge and providing hands-on field exposure to social work students through visits to premier institutions and leading social development organizations.
12 Students Gain Academic Exposure in Delhi
A group of 12 fifth-semester students, accompanied by Dr. Yangchan Dolma, Head of the Department, and Mr. Jaspreet Singh, Assistant Professor, participated in the initiative.
As part of the academic component, students visited the Delhi School of Social Work and the Department of Social Work at Jamia Millia Islamia.
During their visit, Professor Sanjay Roy, Head of the Department at Delhi School of Social Work, briefed the students about the department’s academic structure, fieldwork model, research environment, and higher education opportunities in social work. The interaction provided valuable insights into postgraduate studies and professional pathways in the discipline.
Field Visits to Leading Social Development Organizations
The field exposure component included visits to several reputed organizations such as:
- Naz Foundation
- New Delhi LGBTQIA+ Centre
- Katha Lab School
- DMRC Children’s Shelter Home
- Ishay Foundation
- Sheroes Hangout Cafe by the Chhanv Foundation
Through these engagements, students gained first-hand experience in areas including:
- Child protection mechanisms
- Inclusive education models
- HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives
- LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy
- Women’s empowerment programmes
- Skill development interventions
- Rehabilitation support for survivors of gender-based violence
Bridging Classroom Learning with Field Reality
The exposure visit significantly enhanced students’ professional competence, practical understanding, and critical engagement with contemporary social issues. The programme effectively bridged theoretical classroom learning with real-world field practices — a key component of professional social work education.
Institutional Support and Acknowledgements
The Department expressed gratitude to:
- Mrs. Bhanu Prabha, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, UT Ladakh
- Prof. Stanzin Yangdol, Principal, EJM College Leh
- Dr. Samina Iqbal, State Programme Director, PM-USHA
The Department also acknowledged the cooperation of partner institutions and organizations that contributed to the success of the visit.
Strengthening Higher Education Under PM-USHA
Such academic initiatives under PM-USHA reaffirm EJM College’s commitment to quality enhancement, inclusive education, and professional excellence in higher education across Ladakh.
The successful completion of the exposure programme marks a significant step toward building socially responsible, field-ready professionals in the region.
