left to right: Mr Fenech, Minister Bartolo, Mr Camilleri, Dr Fabri, Prof. Cacciottolo, Prof.Azzopardi, Dr Mifsud
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry for Education and Employment (MEDE) through San Gorg Preca College, Msida Educational Hub (MEH), and the University of Malta (UM) through its Faculty for Social Wellbeing (FSWB). The signatories for the 3 year agreement were Pro-Rector Prof. Joseph Cacciottolo on behalf of Prof. Alfred J. Vella, UM Rector, and Dr Frank Fabri, Permanent Secretary MEDE, in the presence of Minister Evarist Bartolo, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Dean FSWB, Dr Dione Mifsud, Head of Department, Counselling, Mr Emanuel Fenech, Head MEH, and Mr James Camilleri, College Principal San Gorg Preca College (SGPC)
The MoU highlights the mutual benefit that structured communication and cooperation would result in and shows the commitment by both Parties to work together towards furthering the mainstreaming of young people within an inclusive community.
The Faculty for Social Wellbeing continues to work hard in bridge-building and in reaching out to stakeholders. This initiative seeks to address the needs of the Hub by taking advantage of the Faculty’s academic acumen and expertise in professional training.
FSWB and the MEH intend to undertake collaborative initiatives that include the provision of supervision services to the staff of the MEH by FSWB (through the Department of Counselling) and the recruitment by FSWB of a group of University students who will develop a befriending programme involving the students at MEH. Funds will be provided by MEH (through the MEDE) for action and emancipatory-based research, undertaken by FSWB, that will contribute to a better understanding and improved strategies on how to deal with young people in challenging circumstances. On the cards is also the joint organisation of an annual symposium on an area related to the area of behaviour and young people.
Prof. Cacciottolo said that this collaboration was another loop in the list of initiatives that the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, supported by the UM, was working on to bring the Alma Mater close to the social sector. 'The relevance of academia lies in its ability to respond to what is happening on the ground. This collaboration brings out what academics are skilful at (teaching, research, mentoring) and makes good use of it. The Hub will provide us with a project that we can leave an immediate impact upon', he said.
Minister Evarist Bartolo said that through this MoU the University’s work becomes even more relevant as its students can face real life situations. He added that the road will not be easy but it is the only way forward for schools to offer everyone an education, and to provide opportunities to those who would otherwise not have them. The Minister said he looked forward to further such initiatives between University and schools.
The Faculty for Social Wellbeing (FSWB) was established by the Council of the University in July 2012. The setting up of this Faculty has brought together a number of entities of the University which address different aspects of ‘social wellbeing’. These were either existing departments, institutes or centres of the University, or were newly created with the establishment of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing. The departments within the Faculty offer a wide range of diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, a number of which lead to a profession. Several of the departments organise regular seminars and conferences which serve as excellent opportunities for continuous professional development for practitioners in the social sector
The Msida Educational Hub (MEH) is intended for students who come from different environments and backgrounds and as a result have been exposed to various situations which hinder their learning process. Hence, the programme offered therein, emphasises personal development and discipline, as well as employability skills. Ultimately, all these elements lead to their personal growth.