Last week our monthly team meeting had a visit from the FSAT webmaster. She was bringing some ideas forward about how to make the internet a way for clients to access FSAT. In the meeting we where discussing different possibilities of how the counsellors can be involved.
Counsellors’, where saying that their clients usually do not have access to a computer/internet or they do not know how to use it. Therefore the investment in time for the counsellors to pay attention to internet connections is not really worth it, considering that time is taken away from clients they see time being. As I understood it the counsellors in general agreed that there was no need for an internet forum as for now. No one is asking for it.
During the discussion I was thinking… Could it be that the counsellors have clients with no knowledge in using a computer and internet because their services are not accessible through that medium? There must be women experiencing abuse out there who prefer using internet and email over a phone call. Internet has some advantages; it is more discreet and you do not have to pay attention to office hours. It might also be easier for a person to write about their situation rather than explaining over the phone. My point is that perhaps we get the clients that we open the door for and if we open other doors I think that other people will enter.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Tuition fees
Today I had lunch with another social work student, who is also doing a placement at Family Service Association of Toronto. She is conducting her internship with a different team, but we are located at the same office.
“So, you don’t have tuition fees in Sweden?” She is definitely not the first one to ask, and most people can hardly believe it when I say; “No, that’s right.” We talked about it, and more and more during my stay in Toronto I have come to realize just how fortunate I am. My choice of future profession was never depending on my or my parents’ income, and I strongly believe that University education would not have been my priority if I would have to pay for it. For one thing, my parents would have a hard time putting me and my three brothers through University. With a strong budget and years of saving up I might be able to afford it myself, but honestly I would probably not consider an education to be worth it. Now, after two and a half years of studies I can not imagine my life without the experience of academic education, but before I entered the University I did not appreciate it as much.
From a greater perspective I think it is beneficial for the whole society if education is accessible for everyone. If at least economy is not a barrier it creates a broader diversity among students and researchers in the Universities and knowledge is produced from varied points of views. It also contributes to equality in society, since knowledge is well connected with power and influence. Those things are difficult to measure with dollars and cents, so many people question if tax money are well invested when they pay for free Universities. I am, for one, convinced that the outcome is overall positive and invaluable, and other students (current and former) I spoke to in Toronto seem to share my thoughts.
“So, you don’t have tuition fees in Sweden?” She is definitely not the first one to ask, and most people can hardly believe it when I say; “No, that’s right.” We talked about it, and more and more during my stay in Toronto I have come to realize just how fortunate I am. My choice of future profession was never depending on my or my parents’ income, and I strongly believe that University education would not have been my priority if I would have to pay for it. For one thing, my parents would have a hard time putting me and my three brothers through University. With a strong budget and years of saving up I might be able to afford it myself, but honestly I would probably not consider an education to be worth it. Now, after two and a half years of studies I can not imagine my life without the experience of academic education, but before I entered the University I did not appreciate it as much.
From a greater perspective I think it is beneficial for the whole society if education is accessible for everyone. If at least economy is not a barrier it creates a broader diversity among students and researchers in the Universities and knowledge is produced from varied points of views. It also contributes to equality in society, since knowledge is well connected with power and influence. Those things are difficult to measure with dollars and cents, so many people question if tax money are well invested when they pay for free Universities. I am, for one, convinced that the outcome is overall positive and invaluable, and other students (current and former) I spoke to in Toronto seem to share my thoughts.
Friday, November 2, 2007
The United Way
October 31st was also the last day of The United Way annual campaign. Many people have been very busy during the campaign to raise funds for the United Way. The CN climb that I participated was just one of many events arranged by the United Way.
The United Way is a nation wide umbrella organization, and The Family Service Association of Toronto (FSAT) is a member. The fundraising campaign that is held in Toronto distributes money back to its member agencies in Toronto. FSAT is one of the largest recipients of The United Way.
Some people argue that The United Way consume too much of the raised funds to finance its own administration. If the member agencies raised the money themselves they would get more out of it. People who disagree say that The United Way spares the member agencies from the administrations of raising money themselves and is more effective in that way, which is beneficial for social work. I have no opinion in this matter, since I have never seen any evaluation that could have some clarifying input, but I am glad that I had a chance to be involved to raise money for a good cause.
The United Way is a nation wide umbrella organization, and The Family Service Association of Toronto (FSAT) is a member. The fundraising campaign that is held in Toronto distributes money back to its member agencies in Toronto. FSAT is one of the largest recipients of The United Way.
Some people argue that The United Way consume too much of the raised funds to finance its own administration. If the member agencies raised the money themselves they would get more out of it. People who disagree say that The United Way spares the member agencies from the administrations of raising money themselves and is more effective in that way, which is beneficial for social work. I have no opinion in this matter, since I have never seen any evaluation that could have some clarifying input, but I am glad that I had a chance to be involved to raise money for a good cause.
