The Faculty for Social Wellbeing held its annual Faculty Seminar at Verdala Palace. The theme for this year's seminar was 'The Politics of Wellbeing'. HE The President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca opened the seminar stating:
'I have been mainly inspired, by two of the objectives presented for this seminar.
Objectives that stand out to me, as particularly relevant, at this time of such uncertainty and turbulence, in our world.
Firstly, the focus that you have chosen to place, on how best to merge your professional activities with a critical and proactive approach, to promote direct action for social justice within society.
Secondly, your decision to appraise if your activities, as educators and practitioners, can contribute to a healthier and more resilient democracy in our islands.
I believe that, questions of social justice, and democratic participation are rarely answered easily. However, these questions are some of the most essential concerns of an evolving and forward-looking society.
As a Faculty dedicated to the promotion and study of wellbeing, your diverse departments, must be at the vanguard of innovation and practical engagement, to answer such questions.
In so doing, you shall make a valuable contribution towards ensuring that wellbeing is a living and meaningful reality for the people of our nation.'
The Dean, Dr Andrew Azzopardi, addressing, academics, administrators and representatives from the student body stated in his introductory speech that, 'The role of Faculty in the development, preservation and safeguarding of our social fabric is not only fundamental but central if we want to challenge the bullies and intimidators that sprout in our society... The mission of this Faculty is enmeshed with our drive for scholarship but also with a resolve to bring about change. Naturally our responsibility is that we draw from empirical and grounded data and not on impressions and whiff-waffy positions. But we also have another important role as a Faculty and it is to reconcile communities and focus on strengthening social justice and promoting the common good.'
The Faculty Seminar also included Workshops following a panel presentation by Dr Marceline Naudi (Department of Gender Studies), Dr Andrea Dibben (Department of Social Policy and Social Work), Dr Josann Cutajar (Department of Gender Studies), Dr Maria Pisani (Department of Youth and Community Studies), Dr Gordon Sammut (Department of Psychology) and Chaired by Dr Ruth Falzon (Department of Counselling) on their work as public intellectuals and activists. The panel were also interviewed by three journlalists, Mr Jurgen Balzan (Malta Today), Ms Josianne Camilleri (Newsbook) and Ms Norma Saliba (PBS).
The Faculty will be looking at issuing a position paper on the outcomes of the seminar. A parallel programme focusing on team building and communication was organised for the administrators moderated by Ms Sylvana Zammit Pulo.
The sub-committee that coordinated the Faculty Seminar was made up of Dr Andrew Azzopardi, the Dean, Prof. Marilyn Clark, Dr Dione Mifsud, Prof. Paul Bartolo, Dr Marta Sant and Ms Charlene Fabri. All logistics were coordinated by Ms Lara Ellul.