Maria Azzopardi, second year work and HR student at the Centre for Labour Studies, University of Malta, talks about her experience attending Social Europe Days 2016 in Brussels and Leuven.
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 when describing Social Europe Days 2016.
When I first heard about the event, I was not sure what to expect. On the one hand, it sounded like a conference with suits and formal attire, while on the other it sounded like an opportunity to travel, learn and network.
Social Europe Days took place in the beautiful 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 20 Maltese students, studying work and human resources at the Centre for Labour Studies at the University of Malta were given the opportunity to participate.
We can work together to always improve and make our society a better one
Various topics were discussed during the workshops. These included the issues of social cohesion, poverty and social exclusion, cost of living, the future of work, as well as social media in relation to recruitment and human resources.
These discussions helped us to compare and learn about what is happening in other countries. During the lively House of Commons debate, we also had the opportunity to debate and explore statements made about migrants, presented by students attending the University of Munich, as well as about 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.
We had the opportunity to visit the European Parliament, where we were given a keynote speech by a UNHCR representative. This served as an eye-opener towards the reality migrants face when they are displaced or forced to flee their country.
The second keynote speech was delivered by Luc Cortebeeck, Vice President of the International Labour Organisation, during which he focused on workers’ rights and social protection.
Such events are essential, particularly to participants coming from a small island like ours, to help develop 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 to always improve and make our society a better one.
Social Europe Days was a learning experience that broadened our perspectives and made us realise the importance of the EU’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.