On Tuesday 9 April 2024, the Department of Youth & Community Studies at the University of Malta celebrated a huge milestone – 30 years since its inception!
To this end, members of the Department recognised their colleagues’ achievements, as well as the achievements of the Department’s alumni in establishing and advancing the youth work profession and Community Work in Malta, by organising an event, titled ‘Building communities: The politics, the transitions, the challenges, the journey’.
The event, which was well attended by alumni and key stakeholders, served as an opportunity to take stock and learn from the past, contemplate on the present and look forward towards a shared future.
The seminar was a place for critical dialogue that “seeks to consider the lives of young people and the communities we strive to build and serve. Coming together as communities of practice, participants are invited to share their knowledge, perspectives, experiences and challenges”, said Dr Maria Pisani, Head of the Department of Youth & Community Studies.
The topics covered ranged from technology in contemporary society, values and ethics informing youth work practice and community development, individualism and its effects on society, globalisation, politics and policies and representation and belonging.
A keynote presentation was delivered by social scientist, from Nottingham Trent University.
“We also placed importance on carving out a physical space to pause, to gather our thoughts, and reflect on the past, present and future”, Dr Pisani concluded.
Ms Miriam Teuma, alumni and Chief Executive of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ spoke about how the Youth Work progression has developed over the years. Prof. Howard Williamson, Professor of European Youth Policy, described his journey with the department and sent congratulations and birthday wishes.
The Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, and member of the department, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi closed the seminar. In his closing remarks, Prof. Azzopardi acknowledged the achievements of the Department over the past 30 years, and noted how the department has developed and evolved in response to social change.
In keeping with this tradition and the mission of the department, the Dean announced a change in name, to the Department of Youth, Community and Migration Studies.
