The Faculty for Social Wellbeing will be collaborating with Caritas Malta on a project related to substance abuse. Caritas is a Maltese organization which aims to alleviate poverty and promote human development and social justice.
On February 2, 2022, the University of Malta and Caritas came together for a social cause through research and collaboration. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties indicates the beginning of a strong partnership that will enable students and researchers at the Faculty of Social Wellbeing to conduct local research.
The project which will examine the protective factors in relation to substance abuse is the first form of collaboration between the two entities. Caritas plays a very important role in this study as experts in the field can provide the necessary data to carry out the project. The study will take a deeper look into the social development model (SDM) of family, school and community, and present factors in the life of persons who do not engage in substance abuse (smoking, alcohol, marijuana and other drugs).
This research will aim to identify patterns and trends in the family, school and community areas of an individual’s life. With the involvement of Caritas, evidence-based recommendations will enhance policy implementation and related practices. Researchers at UM will be able to analyse the kind of support that is offered to individuals with problems of substance abuse.
Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing said that “Caritas Malta is a trailblazer not only when it comes to therapeutic services especially with people who have addiction problems but also in the gracious and committed way they provide the service. This organisation stands tall because of its humility and its ability to read through the pain of the community. The values encapsulated in our faculty namely 'common good', 'inclusion' and 'democracy' are shared by Caritas Malta and hence our commitment to keep working together towards an improved community and happier citizens.”
During the signing, University Rector Prof Alfred Vella, whilst thanking Caritas Malta for their input, said “Our University aims to focus its research efforts in the investigation of issues that are of relevance to its proximate environment. This is particularly important in research in the social sciences. In Malta, we have a unique set of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics which present opportunities and challenges that need to be understood well in order for solutions to be found, through research, that can improve the condition of our society in the best manner.”
Caritas Malta Director, Mr Anthony Gatt concludes by saying “Caritas Malta looks forward to this collaboration, it is a tool that the Maltese society will benefit as a whole. Together with the Faculty for Social Wellbeing we will participate in research projects. In fact, one of the collaborative projects will be about the factors that lead people to live without drugs and other addictive substances. The results obtained will yield new policies for the prevention of drug abuse, for youths, for children and families at every social state.