Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517916
28 Unity SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2024 Dr Claudia Psaila Department of Social Policy and Social Work IN celebrating its 20 years since inception, the Depart- ment of Social Policy & So- cial Work organised a one- day conference, Sharing the Social Work Journey, on 9 November 2023 at the Uni- versity of Malta, Valletta Campus. It was a celebratory event which included practition- ers, Maltese and interna- tional academics, pioneers in the social field, and oth- er distinguished guests, and which focused on the uniqueness of the profes- sion and the essential role social workers have. It is a profession that focuses on mobilising the strengths of service users and their environment to deal with complex and challenging situations, while taking into account the impact of the broader context on both clients and their social workers. The profession is centred on the value of so- cial justice, a value that dis- tinguishes social work from other helping professions. The conference includ- ed welcome speeches from Faculty dean Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, head of depart- ment Prof. Sue Vella, while Prof. Ana Radulescu, pres- ident of the International Federation of Social Work- ers, delivered a keynote ad- dress on 'The role, identity and contribution of social workers in contemporary society.' This was followed by a video presentation on social work as a profession. Prof. Christine Theuma Wilkins from New York University spoke about the unique- ness of social work as well as the main competencies and core roles of a social worker. The educational journey of social workers was the focus of the ad- dress by Prof. Anna Maria Campanini, President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work, while Prof. Elaine Wilson from University College Dublin discussed the role of Erasmus exchanges in the formation of student social workers. Psychiatrist Prof. David Mamo and psychologist Mark Piscopo discussed the unique contribution of so- cial workers in both their fields of practice. Social workers Louisa Camilleri Serge, Anne-Marie Ciantar, Carl Fenech, Kay Gauci and Mark Pellicano highlighted the complex social issues they deal with. Participants were taken on a historical journey by a panel of speakers who were pioneers in social work in Malta: Prof. Emeritus Jane Aldgate, Dr Charles Pace, Mr Frank Mifsud, Mr Al- fred Grixti and Ms Marija Zahra. Prof. Maureen Cole provided an overview of the development of social work education and prac- tice in Malta, highlighting the arduous process that the establishment and rec- ognition of social work as a profession has entailed over many years. Four workshops were held on the social worker's status and identity; social workers collaborating across disci- plines; social work initial and continuing education; and social work across cul- tures. University rector Prof. Alfred Vella closed the conference and honoured Prof. Cole for her exempla- ry service to the develop- ment of social work practice and education in Malta. It was sobering, while strangely reassuring to learn that the challenges so- cial workers face locally are shared globally: lack of rec- ognition; not enough social workers; wages relatively lower to other professions; and high case-loads. Recognising the unmet de- mand for more social work- ers, participants expressed concern about non-social workers performing social work roles. Social work is a warranted profession with legal, ethical and moral du- ties and obligations. It is therefore essential that it is people who have received education in the knowledge, values and skills of social work, and have been so- cialised into the profession, actually carry out the duties and responsibilities tied to this profession. It is also a matter of safeguarding the public and acknowledging that it is the vulnerability of persons seeking social work services that is at stake. The importance of super- vision and reflective prac- tice for social workers and students on placement was mentioned by many as a means of providing an ex- cellent service to clients and service users. These posi- tive experiences are a way of applying theory to prac- tice and socialising students into the profession. The conference was marked by a beautiful spirit of joy, camaraderie, energy and a motivation to carry on. It was a reminder that together, we are part of the solution. Social workers have a priv- ileged position in that they have a unique relationship with clients and this gives social workers responsi- bility to be a voice for the voiceless, advocate for cli- ents, to be ethical in their practice, fight the fights that are important, learn to use limited resources crea- tively, and work within and outside systems and not collude with them and feel powerless. Sharing the social work journey And in closing... Ivan Romero Sanz Administrator II Department of Counselling I arrived in Malta on October 8, 2021, when there were still the last vestiges of the global emergency of COVID-19. With all my belongings packed in a small suit- case, I disembarked on 'a rock in the mid- dle of the Mediterranean'. Little would have I imagined that this place would be- come my second home for years to come. I headed to the University just a day lat- er, and as I walked, thousands of doubts popped into my head, something typical when you just move from one's country to a foreign one. But thanks to the amaz- ing professors and students at the Medi- terranean Academy of Diplomatic Stud- ies, who made my stay an amazing one, my plan B (going back to my country!) never occurred. As I read for my Master's degree in Dip- lomatic Studies at the University of Mal- ta, I had the opportunity to get to know first-hand its corners, and in the process, cultivate friendships that have lasted to this very day. Although Malta did not im- press me at first sight, except for Valletta and Mdina of course, it still ignited my curiosity. Malta and its people have seen (and experienced) the Roman Empire, the Knights, the British Empire, and World War II... among others. As a passionate history buff, you will believe me when I tell you that I have enjoyed several walks around the capital and visits to war mu- seums. There is always something new I want to explore! Following my studies, my career path led me to stay in the halls of the universi- ty working at the exciting Faculty for So- cial Wellbeing. I thus found myself rooted in the University of Malta, an ideal place that serves as a base for learning history, religion, commerce, culture, law, and in- ternational relations, among others. But one thing Malta does not need to learn, and in fact can teach other larger coun- tries, is the value of peace. If there is one thing for which Malta has created not only curiosity but admiration in me, is its non-aligned stance in inter- national issues. Some realists might think that this is due to being a small independ- ent island state, and indeed it might be so. But it may also be that Malta and its in- stitutions believe in conveying around the world the message of peace, a message that is so sorely needed nowadays. Looking back, this island served as a turning point when the world was trem- bling in fear of nuclear war. Remember the end of the Cold War? It took place in Malta! Or, remember the Bandung Con- ference? Malta joined and communicated the official refusal to side with absolutely no party. Some may even remember how Malta had British and NATO military bases removed some years after its in- dependence. By staying out in the open, Malta sent a message to the world: main- tain peace at all costs and contribute to making the world a better place! Reflecting on my experiences in Malta, I am aware of its geographical wonders and its limestone houses, something anyone can see. What the world does not seem to realise when it comes to Malta is its quiet strength, and the quest for a better world through its constitutional basis, which transcends its foreign policy. In a world where fame and notoriety often over- shadow the very essence of things, Malta reminds us that true greatness lies in the commitment to work for what is right. DISCOVERING A GEM IN MALTA