FIELD INSTRUCTION: IS THE HEART OF SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION STILL BEATING IN THE EASTERN CAPE?

This paper presents part of the findings that emerged from a recent research project entitled “A qualitative evaluation of social work field instruction being offered by universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.” Field instruction is the heart of social work training. This key component of social work training has been placed under increasing pressure in the Eastern Cape. The findings presented in this paper highlight the strengths and weaknesses of field instruction programmes as well as the constraints facing universities in the Eastern Cape. In conclusion, it was found that the heart of social work education is, indeed, still beating strongly in the Eastern Cape.