https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/112839 2026-04-16T03:47:17Z 2026-04-16T03:47:17Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113701 2023-10-10T07:45:21Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Homelessness : breaking the silence! : facilitated intergroup dialogue in Maltese communities Abstract: Intergroup dialogue (IGD) is a pedagogical approach that involves sustained and facilitated dialogue between individuals from different societal groups that tend to share a history of intergroup conflict (Dessel et al., 2006). The study aimed to explore if IGD contributes to the awareness, empowerment and overall personal transformative change of individuals experiencing homelessness and others who are not. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether sustained IGD is an effective pedagogical tool for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the community. This qualitative study employed a participatory action research approach, where seven adult participants came together for twelve hours of IGD in a community-based setting. Data was collected through online pre- and post- focus groups, conducted with each societal group, and also through the researcher’s diary which brought the facilitator’s observations and insight on the experience and process of IGD. The findings show that IGD can affect positively the participants’ and the facilitator’s cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, and bring about empowerment and behavioural change. However, less positive outcomes were also recorded, especially that of disempowerment to engage in action on an individual level, after becoming more aware of the complex reality. Results seem to indicate that the IGD process and outcomes of both the participants and the facilitator reflect ESD principles at different levels and thus, could serve as a tool for ESD and contribute to the general aims of ESD. Several recommendations are proposed to multiple stakeholders to prioritize ESD beyond the formal schooling through the integration of IGD into adult education, and community learning and development. Description: M. ESD(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113695 2023-10-10T07:43:18Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Veganism in Malta : attitudes, sustainability and the role of mass media Abstract: Veganism has been gaining traction in recent years due to a global drive towards ethical and sustainable lifestyles. However, although the vegan diet is considered by many to be ethical and good for the environment, it is often perceived to be inconvenient, difficult and expensive (Bryant, 2019). Mass media may be influencing attitudes towards veganism in different ways. Moreover, studies have shown that veganism is not a means to an end but involves a whole process of transformation (McDonald , 2000). This research aimed to explore the attitudes of Facebook users in Malta towards veganism and the role of mass media in increasing awareness, changing attitudes and inspiring action towards veganism. Moreover, it also aimed to find whether veganism could lead to an educational journey towards more sustainable lifestyles, by developing skills that are important for education for sustainable development (ESD). To do so, a mixed methods approach was used. The study was conducted among Facebook users that resided in Malta and were 18 years of age or older. An online questionnaire (N=466) shared on various Facebook pages provided a clear picture of the current attitudes among the respondents towards veganism, as well as the motivations and learning experiences of the vegan participants. In addition, online interviews (N=7) with people having different diets were conducted to add depth to the data gathered from the questionnaire. This study found that general attitudes towards veganism among the respondents were mixed, but females and participants of a younger age viewed veganism more positively. Respondents considered veganism to be admirable and better for the environment than other diets, but was also deemed it expensive, unnatural, extreme and difficult. While having better access to vegan food and affordability would motivate the respondents to become vegan, the taste of meat, living with non-vegans and the difficulty of the diet were significant barriers towards adopting the lifestyle. The mass media were found to be important sources of awareness and inspiration towards veganism, however one’s social circle was also important. The mass media were also important to aid vegans in their educational journey. Through veganism, the vegan respondents also reported increased knowledge about health and the environment, and developed skills and attributes such as empathy, compassion and critical thinking, indicating that through veganism one can develop the right tools to live more sustainably. Description: M. ESD(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113694 2023-10-10T07:40:21Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Educational Pathways in CSR and the SDGs : building resilience and sustainability in the Maltese small and medium business industry Abstract: In all EU countries the enterprises employing fewer than 250 persons make up over 99 % of all enterprises, in Malta it is 99.8%. The small and medium-sized (SMEs) in Malta generate 85% of turnover and 79.7% of employment (Eurostat, 2018). However, according to research conducted in Malta, only one in every three of the SMEs are aware of what Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are (MISCO, 2017) and just over half of the Maltese businesses are not aware of the full concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (MISCO, 2018). These findings are a matter of concern and warrant further research. Business leaders (BLs) need to clearly understand the link between sustainability issues and their business and how they can change their way of doing business to be sustainable, but still be economically viable. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is central to achieving the SDGs. However, it does not feature as a top priority in training programmes for business leaders since ESD is still a new area for most business and management schools (Lourenço, 2013). This study was meant to assess the level of awareness of the BLs of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainable Development (SD) and the SDGs and explore educational pathways, based on ESD, to build knowledge about the interrelationship of sustainability with strategic business planning and resilience. A qualitative methods approach was deemed the most appropriate to elicit in-depth data from the BLs. Interviews were used as qualitative tools for reflection and to delve into their world view to reveal the thoughts and perceptions on the four themes being studied being, CSR, SD, business strategy and business resilience. The findings from this study revealed a lack of awareness of the BLs of CSR and SD. Moreover, they do not link sustainable measures with business resilience and do not perceive benefits from aligning their business strategy to the SDGs. The BLs rely on external stakeholders such as the Government to take the first steps towards sustainable practices. Further to these findings some recommendations for further research were proposed. Description: M. ESD(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z