Lend a hand

For the seventh consecutive year, the Justice Commitment Group within the Chaplaincy at the University is offering the possibility of 'Lending a Hand'. There are three opportunities.

The first is to help out in a literacy programme at the Paulo Freire Institute in Zejtun. According to the latest national census the percentage of people in Malta who find difficulty in reading and writing is 11.3 per cent. There are areas in Malta where the problem is more pronounced.

The Paulo Freire Institute was established by the Society of Jesus to promote literacy and community development. This opportunity is open mostly to University staff and students, who are willing to dedicate two hours twice a week to teach basic English and Maltese (and possibly other subjects such as mathematics and computer studies) to adults or children on a one-to-one basis.

It will take place on Mondays and Thursdays in the six weeks from mid-June up to the end of July or in the six weeks from mid-August up to the end of September. There is certain flexibility as to the times in which one can meet, provided that certain constancy can be assured. The qualifications necessary to help out is a good mastery of the basics in English and Maltese, a generous heart and a willingness to share one's gifts with others and to receive what others can give too.

The second option is to accompany and help the refugees at the Marsa Open Centre. Would you like to relieve the loneliness of French-speaking Congo refugees who hardly know any English by visiting them and talking to them? You can also teach them some English through French! In this way you will be sharing with them your talents, God's gift to you! This opportunity is mostly open for French-speaking University students and staff. One can still choose to spend some of the Summer time with the other refugees residing in this centre.

The third option is a summer school for refugee children, many of whom are unable to attend such summer activities because they are not in a position to pay for any such event. The summer school will be held for four weeks from mid-July to mid-August.

Throughout the experience the volunteers live together as a community, basing the experience on the charisma of the Missionaries of Charity. Every morning coaches pick the children from different localities and get them to where the summer school is held.

During the day, crafts and games are organised to help the children have a good time. Anyone interested may send an e-mail to chaplaincy@ um.edu.mt, tel: 2340-2341.