https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143315 2026-07-25T08:25:09Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147512 Title: PROMISE : poverty observatory biannual bulletin : issue 2 Abstract: The second issue of the PROMISE Biannual Bulletin focuses on childhood poverty, a reality which severely limits a person’s life opportunities. Eradicating child poverty should therefore be a sustained policy target, by framing child poverty as a matter of political choices rather than financial or technical possibilities. The Statistical Snapshot presents an overview of key data which show a dip in the Maltese child AROPE rates in 2025 after an overall incline from 2020. Child AROPE rates remain consistently above general population AROPE rates; and the drivers of these elevated rates are highlighted.; In the feature article, Prof. Carmel Borg discusses the role which schools can play as community hubs in countering inequality and promoting social justice, highlighting education as a key factor that can enable children to carve a pathway out of poverty. Although local communities are not extensively involved in schooling, there are myriad community initiatives addressing child poverty. This publication profiles Dar Frate Jacoba, a residential educational therapeutic programme rooted in nature, alongside reflections by Sr Magdalene, a key figure in the Ursuline Sisters’ mission to provide loving care to disadvantaged children.; The latest poverty-related policy developments in Malta and at EU level are briefly described.; A historical spotlight is then shone on the evolution of child poverty over the past 70 years since the publication of the Survey of Child-Welfare Problems in Malta. It also explores a more contemporary perspective of poverty in St Patrick’s residence and school from a social work perspective.; The Initiatives and Innovations section recognises entities’ efforts in supporting children, including child-focused voluntary work abroad by the University Chaplaincy, The Blossom Project (Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, MFWS), Nourishing Young Minds (St Jean Antide Foundation, SJAF), The Children’s Manifesto (MFWS) and the integration of child migrants (Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers, AWAS).; Finally, this issue features two resources focusing on child poverty and responses at a European level. Description: For accessibility and reading preference purposes, a text-only version of this publication is also available. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143331 Title: PROMISE : poverty observatory biannual bulletin Abstract: The establishment of PROMISE (Poverty Research Observatory of Malta - Investigate, Synthesise, Engage) as the University of Malta's first funded research cluster underscores the institution's commitment to addressing the crucial issue of poverty eradication within Maltese society. Born from the vision of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing—spearheaded also by Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Prof. Sue Vella, and Ms. Stephania Dimech Sant—and embraced by the entire Faculty, PROMISE recognises that ending poverty is fundamental to overall societal well-being. PROMISE's mission is to become Malta's Poverty Research Observatory. This ambitious goal is steered by three core drivers: Investigate: We must conduct timely, relevant studies to understand the evolving nature of poverty in Malta. Synthesise: We will regularly and consistently compile data from various groups experiencing poverty to create a robust knowledge base. This data is essential for developing evidence-based policy that is timely and relevant. Engage: Poverty is everyone's business. PROMISE structurally embodies this by bringing together academia, civil society, and policy makers, including the government and voluntary sector, to foster a truly cohesive effort. The decision to eradicate poverty is a political choice in the broadest sense of the word. It requires a non-partisan and united effort—from communities, NGOs, academia and the whole political spectrum. This bulletin aims to stimulate and support this effort. Sincere thanks to all the contributors, both within the University of Malta and beyond, and to the small PROMISE team whose dedication and hard work made this inaugural bulletin possible. We hope that this effort will establish a twice-yearly publication, creating a regular appointment for disseminating knowledge and fostering constructive discussion. PROMISE will contribute the knowledge base necessary to make the eradication of poverty a reality, working towards the vision of a Malta and a world free of poverty and inequality. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z