Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1307485
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 NOVEMBER 2020 12 COMMERCIAL Experts to lead new conflict resolution course with St John Malta St John Malta's Training Branch has widened its scope of specialised training in first aid by launching a new online course that addresses divisions in society that typically lead to conflicts. The voluntary organisation has added 'Conflict Resolu- tion – Addressing Divisions of Identity' to its training courses, working in collaboration with the Organisation for Identi- ty and Cultural Development (OICD). Designed by the OICD Institute, the exclusive course will guide participants both in understanding how identities create conflict and in what can be done to counter and prevent prejudice, discrimination, ha- tred and persecution. "St John Malta is thrilled to be able to offer the OICD's spe- cialised course as part of our training portfolio, which will be of interest to anyone who seeks to build cohesion, peace and harmony with those they work alongside or serve on a daily basis," says James Cilia, Com- missioner – St John Training. "By making this unique course more accessible and affordable locally, we are upholding our mission at St John to promote physical, mental and spiritual health, and wellbeing in the community. By working with OICD in of- fering this course we are work- ing with the highest level of professionals". The course's interactive on- line classes will be led by a qualified expert OICD instruc- tor and facilitator, exploring identity and conflict resolution through small-group discus- sion, roleplay, problem-solving exercises, multimedia content and mini-lectures. Limited to no more than 12 participants, the course has no formal en- try requirements and is ideal for public-facing professionals and practitioners from sectors such as health and human ser- vices, social care, humanitarian aid, community development, diplomacy, hospitality, impact assessment and social policy. "The OICD is delighted to be offering this course in col- laboration with St John Malta, making our knowledge on the theme of identity more acces- sible, while placing the tools to deal effectively with con- flict directly into the hands of practitioners," explains Prof Bruce White, OICD Director. "Course participants will learn how many conflict-causing di- visions in society – ethnic, ra- cial, religious, political or eco- nomic – are rooted in issues of identity. They will also be em- powered to counteract these negative forces in the everyday to create a positive, peace- building perspective." As an Enrolled Voluntary Organisation, St John Malta comprises St John Ambulance (First Aid & Nursing), St John Rescue Corps, and St John Training, offering not only vital community services in ambu- lance, nursing and rescue and firefighting, but also training in first aid, firefighting, rescue and water lifesaving. All training courses have been adapted to be operated safe- ly and in a COVID-19 secure manner, either by being deliv- ered virtually or at locations where all necessary safeguards can be established to protect both participants and instruc- tors. Priced at the reduced rate of just €50 per person, the 'Con- flict Resolution – Addressing Divisions of Identity' course with St John Malta will be de- livered over three weekly ses- sions of three hours each. Suc- cessful candidates will receive a certificate of completion issued jointly by St John Malta and the OICD. Proceeds from all training courses are used to support services provided by St John Malta for the community and the OICD for its peace and co- hesion educational program development. Conflict Resolution – Ad- dressing Divisions of Identity' course with St John Malta will be held on Tuesday evenings from November 17th (6-9pm). A full course is three evenings or 9 hours of total instruction. Participants aged 18 or over may register online at https:// w w w . s t j o h n m a l t a . o r g / t r a i n - ing/cradi. Companies or organ- isations are kindly requested to contact St John Training via email at training@stjohnmal- ta.org to arrange group train- ing. Further information about The new online course will provide participants with the tools to understand – and counter – identity-based conf lict BCA announces new telephone numbers THE Building and Construction Agency (BCA) is launching a set of new telephone numbers for the general public. These num- bers will come into effect as of the 9th of November 2020. The new telephone numbers include: General Enquiries - 2095 5000, Customer Care - 2095 5555, Third Party Issues - 2095 5700 and Energy Perfor- mance Certificates - 2095 5710. Clients may call from Monday to Friday, between 07:30 and 15:00. All BCA emergency numbers, which are to be used after of- fice hours, will remain the same, that is, in Malta: +356 9963 7508 and in Gozo: +356 9909 8855. The BCA was set up to create stability and accountability in the building and construction sector that fosters a better en- vironment for all. For more information, one may visit www.bca.org.mt.