challenging social realities around me, which in fact challenged my way of

thinking -- what could I contribute, what can I do about this?

My name is Abraham Francis and I'm an Associate Professor at the James Cook

University of Townsville campus in Australia. 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. It

is all about helping people help themselves. Some of the harsh realities

are poverty, displacement, unemployment, mental health issues -- all of them have in

fact challenged me and have prompted me to respond to them. Hence, my research in

those areas. I really wanted to know of the art behind helping, the science

behind helping. We do it with a scientific knowledge. We do it with

commitment. We do it with a passion because we believe that people can make

change. I have been involved with many research projects. Some of them are in

the areas of criminal justice social work, international social work, strengths-

based practice in social work, mental health in the higher

education sector and all of them have contributed to my understanding about

these harsh realities, which I was talking about. Recently we organised a conference

on mental health in higher education in Townsville. As researchers, we were able

to bring many stakeholders from around the country and some of the

international speakers to talk about and create a momentum at JCU and we have

been successful in a way to talk about this issue

on a wider level. Social Work education at JCU

is grounded on the principles of social justice and human rights. We welcome our

students to be connected to the grass-root realities around them.

Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and

respect for diversity are central to social work practice. Social work engages

people and structures to address challenges and enhance well-being.

When injustices and problems do occur just before your eyes, can you sit in silence?

What I'm really passionate about is responding to the call for justice.

We need competent, confident and compassionate social workers and human

service professionals in the field. Social work is about working with people,

empowering people. It is about engaging with communities.

We can really inspire our students to be agents of change and that's what we need

in today's society.