During his Spring 2025 semester, recent MSW graduate David Flores traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, where he collaborated with local social workers and community members at Baphumelele Children’s Home. The experience was both transformative for David and meaningful for the community he served.

David has shared his experience with the School of Social Work below, speaking deeply about the impact this opportunity has had on him, and offering advice for students considering similar endeavors.

What were some of the most meaningful moments you experienced while working at Baphumelele?

Connecting with the community members and social workers in Khayelitsha was a major highlight of my experience. Through them, I was immersed in Xhosa culture and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges the community faces. Having worked at a community center in Chicago, I found many commonalities with my own Mexican-American community, which helped me feel right at home—even across seas.

On my last day, the staff prepared a farewell lunch that included traditional Xhosa dishes. This gesture was consistent with the warm and generous hospitality I experienced from my very first day at Baphumelele. They also gifted me a traditional Xhosa neckpiece and a handmade letter—two gifts I will always treasure.

Renovating the therapy space and social worker offices was another moment I will always remember. I truly enjoyed collaborating with the social workers to create a welcoming environment for the children. Seeing everyone contribute their ideas made the project feel like a collective effort, which reflected South Africa’s community-orientated spirit. The final result was deeply satisfying, knowing it was made possible through teamwork. 

How did practicing social work in Khayelitsha reshape your understanding of the profession compared to your experiences in the U.S.?

I truly enjoyed working with the social workers in South Africa and discovering the many values we shared. While there were several similarities, my experience in Khayelitsha significantly reshaped my understanding of the social work profession. Due to limited resources, it became clear that social workers in South Africa rely heavily on the support of their communities. This community-centered approach and collective resilience were essential in addressing complex social issues.

I was deeply impressed by the social workers’ resourcefulness and their ability to adapt. The absence of institutional solutions or readily available tools challenged me to think more creatively, sharpening my problem-solving skills. At the same time, it allowed me to work closely with both social workers and community members in a deeply collaborative way.

In conversations with the social workers, many expressed a desire for greater support from South Africa’s Department of Social Development (DSD). Without strong structural systems, collecting data to inform and improve practice remains a challenge. One social worker shared their aspiration to conduct research and advocate for systemic change, with the goal of fostering a more integrated approach that addresses recurring issues of neglect. They hope that this work will influence the DSD and contribute to legislative reforms in child protection policy, ultimately supporting healthier outcomes for children, families, and the broader community.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced during your internship, and how did you adapt?

There were moments when limited resources impacted my ability to assist community members. Tasks that might be easily completed in the U.S. often required more time, equipment, or creativity in Khayelitsha. However, I quickly learned the importance of working with what you have. I observed this mindset throughout Cape Town as well. For example, what some might consider waste was transformed into art. Local artisans crafted detailed figurines from bottle caps and soda cans, using their creativity to support themselves and their families.

Despite these unexpected challenges, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their ability to persevere in difficult circumstances reflected a powerful collective spirit and refusal to give up when faced with adversity.

Language barriers were another challenge I hadn’t fully anticipated. I was surprised to learn that most community members and staff primarily spoke Xhosa, which required me to adapt my initial plans. In the U.S., I am usually the one translating for my family or clients—but now, the roles were reversed. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the everyday realities and frustrations that language barriers can create.

Fortunately, the staff was eager to help break down the language barriers. They patiently taught me Xhosa and were always ready to translate when needed. I practiced greetings and introductions with a colleague at the start of each shift, and by the end of my internship, I felt more confident using basic Xhosa in conversation. Overall, the challenges faced in my international internship would ultimately shape my growth and perspective. 

What did you learn from collaborating with your South African colleagues, and how did those relationships shape your time at Baphumelele?

From the very first day, Nkuli became more than just my supervisor—she became a strong mentor. With her expertise, education, and impressive ability to speak over five languages, I immediately felt I was in good hands. I was especially inspired by her significant contributions to the field of social work, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s current social work systems. Listening to her stories—ranging from personal experiences to her work with public figures like YouTuber Mr. Beast—offered valuable insight into the social challenges the country has faced.

I also learned a great deal from my colleagues, particularly about the effectiveness and limitations of South Africa’s child protection system. Through our conversations, I came to understand the national crisis of child neglect and abandonment. These discussions were solution-focused, centering on ways to improve the system rather than simply sustain it.

Overall, my time with my South African colleagues taught me that it does not matter where you come from or what your background is. Your passion to help others can transcend borders and language barriers. I was amazed to see that communities thousands of miles apart could face such similar challenges. Being in such a welcoming and supportive environment encouraged my curiosity and created the perfect space for me to grow, learn, and contribute. Being awarded the Spring 2025 MSW Excellence in Field Award for my work in South Africa was more than just an honor, but a meaningful reminder of the incredible relationships I’ve built and the warmth I experienced throughout my journey.

How did witnessing the resource limitations at Baphumelele impact your perspective on equity and access in social services?

Although I have witnessed poverty, trauma, and systemic injustice in both America and South Africa, the magnitude of these issues in Khayelitsha was astonishing. There was a stark contrast between the resources available in Khayelitsha and those in wealthier areas of Cape Town. On my way to my internship, I passed a sign that read, “The people shall share in the country’s wealth.” Despite this aspiration, it was clear that equity and access to social services were far from realized, and resources were not being fairly distributed.

This disparity has led to widespread informal housing, high unemployment, and an ongoing public health crises. I was struck by how deeply inequality and systematic neglect can shape the social conditions of a community—even when the injustice is plainly visible. It served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic change and equitable policy implementation. 

What words of advice do you have for any fellow students who may be preparing for an international internship experience? 

Go into every opportunity with an open mind. You might arrive with preconceived notions, worries, or fears—but don’t let those hold you back. An international internship is an eye-opening experience that not only exposes you to a new culture but also gives you the chance to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds.

To enrich your experience, connect with other students, explore as much as you can, and ask questions. The sooner the better since time will go by fast. To build stronger connections, I also highly recommend learning basic phrases in the host country’s language. Speaking even a little can bring you closer to the culture and the people.