[Photo: Ms Maali Boukadi]
As part of its annual commitment towards the social sector and its students, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing (FSW) held the Dean’s Award Ceremony. 21 outstanding graduands were awarded for the high level they have achieved in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
The best BA Social Wellbeing Studies Students Award and BA Social Wellbeing Studies Dissertation Award in memory of FSW student Jerome Frendo were awarded to Ms Maria Borg and Ms Stephanie Micallef, respectively.
Ms Sarah Custo was granted the Christa Formosa Award for the best Social Work Student; Ms Marie Georgette Bajada won the outstanding Gozitan Student Award; and the Outstanding Student on Placement Award by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ was granted to Mr Malcolm Lee Attard.
The Faculty also handed a Lifetime Achievement Award, a Social Commitment Award, and the Dr Jacqueline Azzopardi Social Engagement Award. Nominees for the latter are voted for by all Faculty staff and students, following nominations by the Departments within the Faculty. Eight nominations were received.
This year, the Dr Jacqueline Azzopardi Social Engagement Award was presented to Ms Francesca Fenech Conti, a social activist and social policy graduate, who founded Women for Women Foundation and currently manages the online Facebook group 'Women for Women Malta’. Promoting gender equality and providing a space where one can discuss the gender imbalances in our society is changing women’s perceptions of what and who they are and allowing many to believe they deserve a better, more balanced and independent life on their own terms. Francesca dedicates all her free time to this cause. She believes that it is the simple things that have the power to change people’s lives.
A different process is followed for the Social Commitment Award. This time round students are encouraged to put forward their nominations and the winner is then selected by a designated board. With ten submissions received, Ms Maali Boukadi was awarded the Social Commitment Award due to her dedication to the dissemination of social wellbeing and all its good practices. She is not only a strong voice but also a passionate one, especially for FGM victims. Rather than just speaking up, Maali believes in taking action.
Finally, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. While Her Excellency needs no introduction, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing believes that she strongly deserved recognition for her commitment to Social Wellbeing throughout her political career in Opposition, Government and as the President of Malta. Today, H.E. continues to strive for social justice and wellbeing through the Malta Trust Foundation.
This event was anchored by the Dean, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi and patroned by Her Excellency President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.