Join Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson on the Social Work Is Everywhere podcast as they explore the Moving Well Project—a groundbreaking initiative delivering mental health and HIV prevention support to long-distance truck drivers in Zambia and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll hear from:

• Sabeen Ahmed, clinical social worker and curriculum developer for the Moving Well app
• Munsaka Mubela, coordinator with the Truck Drivers Association of Zambia
• Gracious Witola, social scientist and public health researcher

Discover how the team:

• Identified the unique mental health and HIV risks faced by truck drivers
• Developed and adapted a mobile app to deliver accessible, culturally relevant support
• Overcame challenges in reaching a mobile population through creative solutions like WhatsApp groups
• Engaged local communities, government, and private sector partners for sustainable impact

Learn about the project’s successes, lessons learned, and hopes for scaling up to reach more drivers across Africa and the world.

If you’re inspired by this work, please consider supporting the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Your donation helps fund scholarships, research, and community partnerships: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/give 

For more information about admissions: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/msw

MentalHealth #SocialWork #Africa #TruckDrivers #HIVPrevention #MovingWellProject #PublicHealth #Podcast

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

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In this episode of the 'Social Work Is Everywhere' podcast, hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson interview Dr. Simona Simona, a lecturer at the University of Zambia and Assistant Dean for Research in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Simona shares insights on the critical role of community partnerships in research, emphasizing ethical, relevant, and community-driven approaches. He reflects on his decade-long collaboration with Dr. Michalopoulos, particularly focusing on their work with vulnerable communities like Fisher Folks and international truck drivers. Dr. Simona discusses the importance of integrating cultural humility over mere competency and offers advice to global social workers on avoiding extractive research practices. The episode also highlights Dr. Simona's contributions to the field through his work on gender-based violence in Sub-Saharan Africa and his development of educational resources, including an upcoming book on using R for quantitative methods. Listeners are encouraged to support the University of Maryland School of Social Work and connect with Dr. Simona via LinkedIn. 

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

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In this episode of the Social Workers Everywhere podcast, hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson interview Virginia and Amy from the University of Maryland's Center for Global Engagement (CGE). The discussion highlights the diverse and significant roles of social workers across various industries and the importance of global engagement in education and research. Virginia and Amy share their personal journeys into the field, provide insights into CGE's impactful programs like the President's Global Impact Fund and the Provost Global Scholar Program, and discuss challenges and strategies for sustainability and collaboration. They emphasize the transformative power of global education and encourage students and faculty to embrace international opportunities for a broader, more nuanced understanding of their professions and the world. The episode concludes with a call to support global initiatives at the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

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In this episode of the Social Work is Everywhere podcast, we dive into the global impact of social work through the experiences of students Christa Gloster and Claude Thomas from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. They discuss their participation in the India course, a program developed in partnership with Rajagiri College in Kerala, India. The course offers students the opportunity to attend international conferences and engage in cultural site visits. Christa and Claude share how they learned about the program, their initial perceptions, and how these evolved during their trip. They also talk about the personal and professional challenges faced, the cultural differences observed, and the valuable lessons gained. The episode concludes with advice for prospective students considering global social work opportunities. 

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

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Hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson engage in a compelling conversation with guests Patrice Forrester and Leigh Beck. Dive deep into the far-reaching impact of social work, the history and mission of the US El Salvador Sister Cities organization, and the role of solidarity vs. charity in global social work. Learn about the inspiring legacy of Oscar Romero and how social work practice evolves with a focus on community engagement and advocacy. 

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

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This episode highlights guest, Thomas Northrop, and host, David Robertson’s participation in the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Provost Global Scholar Program with an emphasis on grief and trauma-informed care and innovative practice in climate change.  Both guests share insights about international collaborations, the importance of community engagement, and culturally grounded approaches to social work. Listen in to learn about their impactful projects and how they shape the future of social work on a global scale. 

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today.

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