CSL

Community social labs (CSL) as an innovative approach in social work education, tailored to enhance co-creation, indigenization, and sustainability. It is an approach to transform curricula and enhance learning in social work that is contextually relevant and tailored to find local solutions to the complex social problems that confront communities. Underscoring the fact that communities must be seen as co- producers and owners of knowledge, CSL is situated within social work’s decolonization and indigenization frameworks. It draws on the Ubuntu philosophy, emphasizing principles of co-creation, empowerment, agency, and sustainability.

The CSL approach was conceived under the framework of the project “Building Resilient Communities through Inclusive Education in East Africa” (named RESILIENT in short). The partners of the RESILIENT project are Makerere University (Uganda), the University of Rwanda (Rwanda), the Institute of Social Work (Tanzania), and the University of Agder (Norway). Through an academic partnership, lasting from 2021 to 2026, the CSL approach was initiated to make social work curricula more relevant to the needs of local communities and to promote social innovation through increased university-community engagement.

b

The CSL approach forecasts a transformed university sector, prioritizing relevance, co-creation and participation. It is an important ambition to create social work curricula that are relevant to both students and communities, and that are tailored to fit both local and global demands. As such, the CSL approach aligns with the global definition of social work:

b

“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.” (IFSW & IASSW, 2014)

Find the quote above here