By: Maria Azzopardi - 2nd year Work and HR student at the Centre for Labour Studies – University of Malta
Think of, friendly competitions, heated debates, experiencing different cultures and realities, discussing the future of work, visiting companies and the European Parliament, a fun and vibrant atmosphere. All this and much more can be summed up in the Social Europe Days 2016.
When I first heard about the Social Europe Days, I was not sure what to expect. On the one hand it sounded like a conference with suits and formal attire and on the other hand it sounded like an opportunity to travel, learn and network. Social Europe Days took place between the 11 and 14 of April in the lovely cities of Leuven and Brussels, Belgium. This yearly four day event is a platform which offers students studying Human Resources Management and Social Work in different European Universities the opportunity to meet and reflect, discuss and learn from each other. This was the first time that a group of twenty Maltese students, studying Work and Human Resources at the Centre for Labour Studies at the University of Malta, were given the opportunity to participate.
Various topics were discussed during the workshops. These included the issue of social cohesion, poverty and social exclusion, the cost of living, the future of work as well as social media in relation to recruitment and human resources among others. These discussions helped us to compare and learn about what is happening in other countries. During the lively House of Commons Debate the students also had the opportunity to debate and explore the statements about migrants, presented by students attending the University of Munich, and about the demographic changes and the labour market, presented by students from the University of Malta. A fourth year Maltese student, Lizianne Pace Frendo, won the best debater award.
Apart from workshops and debates we also had the opportunity to visit SD Worx in Brussels. This innovative company offers single or integrated HR services to over 60,000 clients. Then we had the opportunity visit the European Parliament where we were given a key note speech by a representative of UNHCR. This served as an eye-opener towards the reality that migrants face when they are displaced or forced to flee their country. The second key note speech was delivered by Mr Luc Cortebeeck, who is Vice-President of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), were he focused on Worker’s Rights and Social Protection.
Similar events to this are essential, particularly to participants coming from a small island like Malta, to help develop a more critical thought and to challenge personal stereotypes and assumptions. On a social level, we were able to connect with students from other countries and this made us realise that ultimately we can work together in order improve and make our society a better one.
Social Europe Days was a marvellous learning experience which broadened our perspectives and made us realise the importance of the European Union’s values in securing peace. Furthermore we learned how as European citizens we should continue promoting the values of freedom, the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and equality.
