USJ students volunteer and intern in Caritas to promote good health and well-being in the community
USJ students volunteer and intern in Caritas to promote good health and well-being in the community
07
Jul
07/07/2021
In order to promote good health and well-being in Macao, USJ has established a number of volunteering and internship programs, in collaboration with Caritas Macao.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) has established a number of volunteering and internship programs, in collaboration with Caritas Macao in order to promote good health and well-being in Macao.
Caritas, a longtime partner of USJ, is one of the largest and most comprehensive NGOs offering social support to the community in Macao. Their aim is to serve most the needy and marginalised groups in society improving their well-being.
The catholic organisation manages several institutions that provide: services for the elderly and people with mental and physical disabilities, such as hosteling, health care, housework assistance, transportation, and a 24-hour emergency support; a community mental health hotline; and services targeting the economically deprived, youth, and children.
Since 2018, every year, about 20 students from the Bachelor of Social Work take part in short term volunteering programs in these institutions. In 2019/2020, about 19, and in 2020/2021 about 32 of our students, participated in these volunteering activities.
Additionally, many of the Bachelor and Master programme students in the areas of Psychology and Social Work complete their internship within these institutions. In 2019/2020, about 14, and in 2020/2021 about 11 of our students, participated in these internship programs.
These students have been empowered to apply the skills and competences acquired during their studies, in areas such as school counselling; elderly day centres and nursing homes; mental health helpline for suicide prevention; as well as, support to children with disabilities, youth at risk, expatriates, and immigrant workers.
The University express its great appreciation to Caritas, and its commitment to continue this partnership in the future, and together contribute to a healthier Macao and to the well-being of its population.
Promoting good health and well-being is an important goal the United Nations established as one of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The SDGs provide a blue-print for a more just, inclusive, and resilient society.
Published July 7, 2021
