A cohort of Master of Social Work (MSW) students from Alabama A&M University embarked on the department’s first structured international field placement in Zambia this summer. The trip was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State. Over two weeks, the program combined professional growth, cultural immersion, and ethical reflection, providing students with hands-on experience in community organizations, government institutions, and social service agencies. Participants addressed pressing social issues, including poverty, health disparities, child welfare, policy development, and community empowerment, while developing the cultural competencies essential for professional excellence.
The students who traveled to Zambia included: Michayla Johnson from Clinton, Mississippi; Angel Hayes from Birmingham, Alabama; Desiree’ Munford from Atlanta, Georgia; Nyla Lofton from Detroit, Michigan; and Jacobie Kelsey from Gallatin, Tennessee.
Student placements included Bauleni United Sports Academy in Lusaka, where they learned how sports and mentorship programs drive youth development; the Zambia National Assembly, where they observed live parliamentary proceedings; and the University of Zambia, where they exchanged ideas with peers and faculty. Additional visits to Habitat for Humanity Zambia, the Department of Social Welfare, and an HIV/AIDS nonprofit offered insight into public health and housing interventions. In Kitwe, students collaborated with Faith Orphanage, gaining hands-on experience in faith-based empowerment initiatives. Across seven cities – Lusaka, Kabwe, Kapiri-Mposhi, Kitwe, Luanshya, Chingola, and Solwezi – they developed key skills in advocacy, needs assessment, case management, community mobilization, and intercultural communication.
Reflecting on their time in Zambia, Michayla Johnson of Clinton, Mississippi, said, “Visiting Zambia has deeply impacted my perspective as a social worker.
This experience inspired me to want to share the knowledge and tools I’ve gained, to help support growth in areas where they may be underserved. It’s made me more driven to bridge those gaps and advocate for culturally appropriate approaches to care. Overall, Zambia opened my eyes to the importance of global perspective in social work practice.”
Desiree Munford from Atlanta, Georgia, added, “I was able to spend an unforgettable month in Zambia, and the love I felt for the people and culture there will stay with me forever. This journey was not only an academic or professional experience, but it was