The “non-formal” educational works in Malta, initiated by our sisters, are a model in their organisation, management, administration and function. This is the impression that visitors to the premises of the Jeanne-Antide Foundation (SJAF) may have.
A meeting between members of the Sisters of Charity’s Education Office and the Foundation managers, Ms Melanie P. and sister Natalie A., confirms the passion with which the 15 employees work. The various projects – including one for battered, abused, neglected, widowed or overburdened women – support people by offering not only material aid and daily support, but above all an empathetic ear that comes from a compassionate heart touched by the flame of charity.
The accounts of Mélanie and other volunteers we met briefly confirm that even today ‘charity is infinitely inventive’ and that close and transparent collaboration with lay people is always beneficial and stimulating in responding to new needs. We left after two hours with Melanie’s appeal in our hearts to offer training courses to members of the association and to facilitate exchanges with other foundations or associations belonging to or affiliated with the Congregation. For more information, visit https://www.antidemalta.org/.
Another meeting that kindled our spirits was on Monday, March 18, 2024, with the two representatives of the Alumnae Committee. Nadine B. and Ritianne C. are two dynamic and active young women. They express their gratitude to the sisters and their school through concrete actions and a contagious desire to unite their former colleagues around a series of projects. With sister Salvina B., who supports them, we evaluated opportunities for this group and possibilities for collaboration. More meetings are sure to follow, especially at a time when the Office of Education is working to create an alumni workshop. To follow their news, just visit the JAICX Facebook page.
Among the interesting meetings we have had as part of the discovery of our non-formal education services is the experience of sister Melissa D. who works at the Paulo Freire Institute. We will report on this in a future article.
