MaltaToday

.
News | Sunday, 26 October 2008

Jane Spiteri, a pioneer in social work

Jane Spiteri, a pioneer in the social work profession in Malta and honorary member of our association, has sadly passed away.
Jane Spiteri started her career as a teacher and was the co-founder and honorary president of the National Council of Women. She was recently described in the local papers as the grand dame of feminism, a regular presence in the local media.
Jane had social work values close to her heart. During our MASW get-togethers, Jane was a constant presence, bringing the voice of service users, “of the real people”, to the attention and focus of our discussions.
Often Jane would leave me with a feeling of... what am I waiting for to go out and change things? One of her characteristics that used to inspire me personally was her progressive thinking to which she coupled frank and humane pragmatism.
Those who remember her describe her as very caring, dutiful and particularly enlightening, insightful and above all a great advocate! Jane had that which we refer to as a holistic vision and she certainly new how to bring that vision to reality through advocacy, the media and various forms of social action.
These characteristics not only lie at the core of the social worker’s identity, but are also currently being revisited in various international debates as the role of social action and social justice in relation to the definition and ethical values of social work.
Jane, on behalf of social workers in Malta, I would like to thank you for your belief in our profession, your courage to take a stand and speak out, your example and the support you gave to many people, families and social workers.

 


Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below.
Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.

Search:



MALTATODAY
BUSINESSTODAY


Reporter
All the interviews from Reporter on MaltaToday's YouTube channel.


EDITORIAL


Climate change demands a change in lifestyle

Government’s latest decision to invest €130 million in near-shore wind farms at the Sikka l-Bajda reef goes to show how arbitrary and unprepared politicians can be, as they try to reach predetermined targets that are anything but realistic. >>


INTERVIEW

Big Daddy politics
In his late 30s, PN secretary-general Paul Borg Olivier feels old enough to talk to the people as a father talks to an errant child. But he remains apprehensive about next year’s MEP elections
>>




Copyright © MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016, Malta, Europe
Managing editor Saviour Balzan | Tel. ++356 21382741 | Fax: ++356 21385075 | Email