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The Faculty for Social Wellbeing and the charitable organisation, RISe foundation came together on November 3 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will lead to improving the concept of Restorative Justice in Malta ensuring that rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders are important for the betterment of society.

Through this agreement, both parties will establish a better understanding and collaboration in order to seek ways to exchange ideas, expertise and resources which lead towards a more humane and effective criminal justice system. The mission that both entities are after is to offer a service which is based on the principle of Restorative Justice emphasising the safety and protection of offenders as well as society. Most offenders are sooner or later released from prison, therefore RISe meets them halfway via a successful programme in the rehabilitation of inmates before being fully released from the sentence. 

The Agreement of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing with RISe Foundation is another important loop in the Faculty's work with the grassroots. RISe has a very important role in trailblazing much needed reforms in our prison system which the Faculty admires and is deeply appreciative of. Over 60 inmates have gone through their programme with an almost 100% success rate and hardly any recidivism noted, one clear measure of success (amongst others). The Faculty feels that such a positive model founded on the principle of ‘deserving a second chance’, ‘rehabilitation’ and 'commitment towards the human person as a whole' as applied by RISe merits the support of the Faculty and hence this agreement. Says the Dean of the Faculty, Prof Andrew Azzopardi.

The Chairperson and Co-Founder of RISe, Mr Carmel Mifsud proudly says that “RISe Foundation is regarding this Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Malta as a unique opportunity to build a solid collaboration with the aim of improving the concept of Restorative Justice in Malta with rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders being the pinnacle of a healthier society. Through this MOU, RISe shall be offering awareness, knowledge, and experience in this field to students following a course within the Faculty of Social Wellbeing at the University of Malta. The Foundation will also open its doors to the University of Malta to conduct a qualitative and quantitative research on the therapeutic programme which RISe offers to inmates before their release, with the aim of improving its services.”

The University Rector, also present at the signing stated that this collaboration will give a greater opportunity for research for students at the Faculty for Social Wellbeing. Together with RISe we are exploring good practice examples, backed by research and practice, into helping inmates reintegrate back into society and with this collaboration a great number of stakeholders are able to benefit. The inmates are people that once were a part of this society and we are about to welcome them back. The University is glad to be part of the reformation of persons in need of help. This is one of the many outreach projects carried out by the University where we touch upon such real issues in our country and we are thankful to be partnering with RISe.

With this collaboration in place, the University is able to be of service not only to students but to the country and for the best interest of the nation. The mission with this research is aligned with that of RISe - to educate further. If we treat ex-convicts like citizens they will act like citizens, and this is possible with continuous support from the community.