https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/321 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:39:55 GMT 2026-07-13T08:39:55Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148000 Title: Department of Disability Studies at UM : 10th anniversary Abstract: The Department of Disability Studies proudly marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration on 17th February 2025. The event brought together academics, past and present students, and disability rights activists to mark a decade of research and teaching carried out by the department. The event featured a keynote speech by Prof. Angharad Beckett from the University of Leeds. This commemorative video captures the highlights and reflections from the milestone celebration. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148000 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147846 Title: Malta's disability rights situation Authors: Gauci, Maria Victoria Abstract: As in many countries, changing societal perceptions, stigma, disabling attitudes and addressing discrimination remain an ongoing challenge in Malta. According to the 2021 national census, the number of persons who self-identified as disabled or as having a chronic illness in Malta totalled 129,132, representing almost 25% of the total population aged 5 years or more, a 6-percentage-point rise from the 2011 Census (National Statistics Office, 2024). These figures are projected to rise further due to population ageing and increased longevity among people with disabilities. [excerpt] Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147846 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147752 Title: Youth mental health barometer – gen alpha and gen z speak : listening to young people in Malta Abstract: This keynote presentation explored findings from the 2025–2026 Youth Mental Health Barometer commissioned by Richmond Foundation among young people aged 13–25 years in Malta. Drawing on survey data and social work perspectives, the presentation examined young people's experiences of wellbeing, help-seeking, support networks and digital engagement. Particular attention was given to the finding that almost half of respondents reported having experienced serious difficulties without knowing where to turn for support, highlighting the importance of support visibility and accessibility. The presentation also questioned prevailing assumptions about contemporary youth, exploring how resilience, distress, relationships and support-seeking are experienced by Gen Alpha and Gen Z in Malta today. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147752 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147512 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z