Community work project in Gazankulu: a community-based training experience
M A Bortz1, B Schoub, J McKenzie
1Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Summary
Speech Pathology and Audiology students gained practical rural community experience through field trips. Projects in language stimulation, aphasia, and hearing screening successfully served communities and educated students on fieldwork principles.
Area of Science:
- Speech Pathology and Audiology
- Community Health
- Interprofessional Education
Background:
- University students require practical experience in diverse healthcare settings.
- Rural communities often face challenges in accessing specialized health services.
- Community-based rehabilitation programs are crucial for underserved populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide Speech Pathology and Audiology students with hands-on rural community work experience.
- To implement essential speech, language, and hearing services in a resource-limited setting.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of student-led interventions within a community work framework.
Main Methods:
- Students collaborated with rehabilitation workers at Tintswalo Hospital.
- Projects included pre-school language stimulation, aphasia assessment and intervention, and hearing screenings.
- Interventions were designed and executed adhering to established community work principles.
Main Results:
- Successful delivery of speech, language, and hearing services to the rural community.
- Students gained practical skills in community-based fieldwork and interprofessional collaboration.
- The initiative effectively bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
Conclusions:
- Field trips integrating academic learning with community service are highly beneficial for Speech Pathology and Audiology students.
- Community work principles enhance the impact and sustainability of health service delivery.
- This model provides a valuable service to rural populations while fostering student professional development.
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