Strengthening Community Ties – USJ and Caritas Macau’s Transformative Engagement
Strengthening Community Ties - USJ and Caritas Macau's Transformative Engagement
09
Nov
09/11/2023
Prof. Vitor Teixeira, Head of the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Health Sciences shared insights into the profound collaboration between the USJ and Caritas Macau at the “IV Global Symposium UNISERVITATE” on 9 November 2023.
Prof. Vitor Teixeira, Head of the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) shared insights into the profound collaboration between the USJ and Caritas Macau in a presentation prepared with USJ’s Emeritus Professor, Dominique Tyl, at the “IV Global Symposium UNISERVITATE” organised by De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines, held on 8 – 9 November 2023.
The presentation, part of a concurrent session on “Community Partnership”, explored the theme “USJ and Caritas Macau – a story of community engagement”.
The presentation showcased the outcomes of a qualitative study that involved documentation analysis and interviews with key individuals from both USJ and Caritas Macau, including eight USJ alumni currently serving as full-time staff at Caritas Macau. The results illuminated the history, current areas of collaboration, and future prospects of this meaningful partnership.
Among the key recommendations emerging from the study was a call for the institutionalised implementation of Service Learning in USJ’s programmes, with Caritas Macau playing a central role. Suggestions included developing research based on Caritas’ needs, incorporating more themes directly related to Caritas’ services into curricula, and integrating service-oriented assignments into the syllabi of various USJ programmes.
The presentation sparked a discussion among participants, primarily centered on the challenges associated with implementing Service Learning in an academic context like USJ. The symposium, spanning two days, underscored the positive transformative impact of Service Learning at multiple levels, encompassing students, teaching staff, universities, and communities.
Notably, Service Learning was highlighted as a catalyst for personal growth and spiritual development, fostering a deeper connection between students and their community. The symposium underscored how this engagement contributes to a heightened awareness of the world, self-discovery, and a clearer sense of purpose in life.
The UNISERVITATE organization, a consortium of Catholic Universities dedicated to institutionalizing service-learning, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this enlightening symposium. Comprising individuals deeply committed to community engagement, the symposium exuded an informal and positive atmosphere, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
In conclusion, a commendation was extended to De La Salle University for the outstanding organization of the event, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration and dialogue among academic institutions committed to service-oriented education.
