Social work education & training in disasters: a social justice approach from the Pacific

The Pacific is increasingly prone to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones and, recently, major earthquakes in which lives of population groups are impacted. Research by the authors of this chapter has indicated a loss of cultural identity due to displacement and associated eco-stressors linked to pre-displacement. Wellbeing issues and inequalities experienced by elders, women, children, and people with disabilities during disasters are also significant. Shifts in ways of knowing and learning due to climate change, managing disasters, understanding gender differences, power structures, and dynamics in communities are all areas of concern in this field of practice for the Pacific region. Training in disaster preparedness and management has increased over time in the region via what is referred to as “parachute consultants”. The training is often delivered through short-term courses and workshops suitable for donors with minimal to non-transformative changes at the community level. Moreover, these courses are often not necessarily a pathway to higher education. This chapter highlights some of the challenges in the Pacific and the social justice approach it takes for a more inclusive and responsive social work education in the Pacific.