Professionals from the Alejandro del Río school: Living heritage of the History and Memory of Chilean social work

Abstract

This article explores the history and memory of the professionals trained at the Alejandro del Río School, highlighting its impact on the history and memory of Chilean social work. Through in-depth interviews and focus groups with graduates of the school, the study seeks to understand this institution's legacy in the training of social workers, key agents in Chile's social transformation. The methodological approach is qualitative and hermeneutic, allowing for a deep understanding of the participants' experiences and trajectories within a broader historical and social context. The content analysis of the interviews reveals recurring patterns and themes in the accounts, allowing for the identification of achievements and challenges in building the memory of social work in Chile. The results show that the Alejandro del Río School has had a significant impact on the training of professionals committed to human rights, social justice, and equity. Furthermore, its role as a space for resistance and critical reflection is highlighted, especially during complex historical periods, such as the military dictatorship and the process of reconceptualizing social work in the country. Those interviewed agree that the school provided them with theoretical and methodological tools and a strong sense of ethics and social responsibility that has guided their professional practice from a critical perspective.