As of October 2024, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing within the University of Malta will be offering a Certificate in Volunteering Studies.
The course will be giving students an overview of the practice of volunteering, imparting the knowledge required for volunteers to make an ethical and effective impact on their communities, and widening their understanding of volunteer motivation as well as best practices in recruiting, training and supporting volunteers.
This was made possible thanks to a collaboration between the Faculty for Social Wellbeing led by Prof. Andrew Azzopardi and the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) led by Mr Mauro Pace Parascandolo, which was formalised through an agreement signed on Friday 19 July 2024.
The latter is also sponsoring the first intake of the course, through the amount of €12,000.
Chief Executive of MCVS, Mr Mauro Pace Parascandalo, stated that this innovative agreement will foster a collaboration between MCVS and the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, which for the first time will provide academic training within the voluntary sector leading to more qualified individuals in voluntary organisations. "I encourage anyone who is interested to consider taking this opportunity," concluded Mr Pace Parascandalo.
The course programme will in fact feature interactive class debates, as well as a number of exercises necessary for experiential learning and reflective practice.
Entry requirements for the course include possession of the Matriculation Certificate and Secondary Passes at Grade 5 or better in Maltese, English and Mathematics.
University of Malta's Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, said that this initiative emphasises the University’s commitment to encouraging a spirit of community service and civic engagement among its students. "We do not only view volunteering as a means to give back to society but also as a way to develop lifelong skills, gain a diverse perspective on various issues, whilst also as a way to build lasting relationships with others. This course will help our students become leaders who can contribute positively within their immediate communities and beyond."
Other than the strong relation to volunteering, the course will also be incredibly useful in the acquisition of strategy, leadership, management, administration and evaluation skills, which will serve students in their volunteering journey and in their gainful employment.
Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, remarked that volunteering is the cornerstone of a thriving and compassionate society. “It is through the selfless acts of individuals that we can address pressing social issues, support vulnerable people, and build more connected communities. This course is designed to highlight that critical role volunteerism plays in making our society a better version of itself. Empowering students with the knowledge and skills to volunteer effectively, we will inspire a lifelong commitment to foster a culture of collaboration and mutual support.’ He went on to say that ‘the course will be hosted within the Department of Social Policy and Social Work ably led by Prof. Sue Vella who was the driver but also the person who brought all the content together.”
Also in attendance were Minister for Inclusion, Social Wellbeing and Voluntary Organisations, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima and Prof. Sue Vella, Head of the Department of Social Policy and Social Work.
