The Department of Social Work at EJM College, Leh, organized a three-day Exposure Trip cum Rural Camp to Nubra Valley for 3rd and 5th semester students, held from September 18 to 20. The trip aimed to provide students with practical exposure to field realities and a deeper understanding of working with rural communities.

The faculty leading the trip was Dr. Yangchan Dolma, Head of the Department, and Dr. Tanushree Malakar, Assistant Professor, who coordinated the event.
The primary objectives of the camp were to familiarize students with the implementation of Social Welfare Schemes such as the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and Ayushman Bharat, and to explore the functioning of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) like the Mothers' Association (Ama Tsokspa) and Youth Association (Zunu Tsokspa). Another key goal was to help students understand local governance, particularly the Panchayati Raj Institutions, and the importance of group work within communities. The camp also emphasized the Stratification, Power, Governance, and Gender (SPGG) Framework, providing a deeper insight into the functioning of rural communities.

The camp took place in Turtuk village, Nubra Valley, covering two mohalas (neighborhoods). The social work trainees were divided into four groups, with two groups guided by Dr. Yangchan Dolma and the other two by Dr. Tanushree Malakar. Activities included transect walks, social mapping, resource mapping, mobility mapping, and gender timeline mapping, alongside trend analysis in the village.

An interactive session with the Panchayat members of Turtuk (Farol Mohala) offered students valuable insights into local governance. The group also visited a museum showcasing ancient Balti artefacts and cultural heritage.

Students were tasked with group presentations at the end of the trip, drawing on their experiences and interactions with Panchayat members, CBO representatives, and Anganwadi workers. An additional highlight was a visit to Lamdon Model School in Diskit village, where trainees engaged with students and workers from the ICDS. The group also enjoyed a cultural night, which helped foster stronger connections between the participants.

For better coordination during the camp, students were divided into committees, including food, cultural, discipline, accommodation, and logistics. Each student was assigned specific roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth functioning.

The rural camp provided a valuable platform for students to experience group living and community engagement, developing essential skills in teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. The trainees also gained practical experience in conducting interviews, social surveys, and data analysis, along with management, planning, and organizational skills. Most importantly, the camp enhanced their understanding of the functioning of local government, the implementation of government schemes, and their crucial role in community development.