Name: George Sichone

Nationality: Zambian

Countries where you have worked or studied:
Zambia, India

Universities and qualifications before ADVANCES
University of Zambia – Bachelor of Social Work

Previous professional experience/Fields of social work practice:
George worked in the Health and HIV/AIDS areas for 6 years before joining the 1st Advances Cohort in 2013. George was responsible for project design, implementation and M&E for both public and private health intervention. In this regard, George undertook direct interventions with Orphans and Vulnerable Children, People living with HIV, TB and other Key Populations. George also provided direct capacity building to individuals and institutions implementing in health and social development interventions.     

Three things that you most value about the ADVANCES programme:

  1. A unique hybrid of social Work learning and experience from participating Universities.  
  2. Cross Cultural and critical thinking on key development issues
  3. International research experience

Message for other social workers thinking about applying for a place on ADVANCES:
Advances provide an expert driven Social Work development. A collaborative approach between academics with world-class expertise and student participation, gives an opportunity to understand problems, find solution and practice. This program provides a balance between technical analysis, critical thinking and problem solving. Hands-on practice research experience in contemporary issues around human development is also gained.  

Web links to any blog, project or profile that you would like to include:
http://priminnovations.simplesite.com/437526272

Topic of research project:

Pathways to health care for Children and family wellbeing: Implications for Statutory Social Work Practice. The case of Bielany Social Welfare Centre - Poland

Where were you based for Semester 4?:
Warsaw Poland

Current position and place of work:
Technical Advisor – Health Programs (ChildFund International) February, 2018 to date.

Any other jobs since graduating ADVANCES:

  • Co-Founder (Participatory Research and Innovations Management (PRIM-Zambia)  
  • Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Manager (Voluntary Services Overseas). – November, 2015 to November, 2017.
  • Consultant and Researcher (University of Zambia) – 2015 to date – Currently Project Manager for the (£ 136,000) Operational Research on Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention Program (MMDP) 2018 – 2019 Funded by DfiD.