Frequently asked questions

How do I apply with an organisation to carry out the community work?

It is of utmost importance that you  first contact the organisation of your preference and discuss the possibility and logistics of conducting your community work with the organisation.  When you finalise the discussions and are convinced of your choice, you will then apply by filling the online application form which can be accessed through our website on https://mcast.edu.mt/mcast-corporate-social-responsibility/ and by clicking the ‘Apply’ button.

Following your application you will first receive an automatic reply confirming receipt of the application.  You will then receive another formal acceptance email from our department which includes a link to download and print the attendance sheet.  Only at this point that you can commence your community hours.

What do I do if the organisation I wish to carry out the community work with is not on the provided NGO list?

You can still choose an organisation of your choice if this is not listed on our website.  The CSR department will then decide if the organisation you have chosen can be part of the MCAST CSR initiative.  If the organisation cannot be accepted, we will contact you and help you find another one.

What type of organisations can I carry out the community work with?

  • You can carry out the community work with:
  • NGOs who are listed in the provided organisation list on our website;
  • NGOs who are not on the available list but are on the VO list – https://maltacvs.org/vo-directory/;
  • Local Councils;
  • Sports Associations/clubs;
  • MCAST Library;
  • MCAST Institutes (following approval be the CSR Department).

Would an event I organise be considered as community work?

Yes, if the event/initiative is of benefit to others.  Please contact the CSR department with your ideas before implementing.  Ideas such as events/initiatives within the MCAST campus will be encouraged.

What if I cannot carry out the community work?

You would need to discuss this with your lecturer and the CSR & Events department.  We will consider the reason and assist you accordingly.

How much time do I need to carry out the community work?

You need to carry out 20 hours of community work. You can discuss how these hours are carried out with the organisation of your choice. You can carry out the community work at any time of the week. You can carry out community work during office hours, evening and weekends depending on arrangements with the organisation. Community work cannot interfere in any way with your studies. Some organisations might ask for a particular commitment from you while others are able to take a more flexible approach.

Can I leave if I don’t like my role?

If you encounter difficulties for strong justified reasons you may talk to your lecturer or contact our department. Our department will examine the situation and see what could be done to remedy the situation. If you feel that something is seriously wrong or that you are not being treated fairly, please contact us immediately and we will look into the matter.

Can I carry out the community work with my family or friends?

Some opportunities are suitable for group community work eg clean ups, tree planting or car washes but this need to be organised and properly supervised. You will find information about upcoming opportunities on our website or our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CSRandEVENTS) to be kept informed. You can also carry out the community work with friends for fundraising events and collections. However you cannot carry out the community work with family members.

I feel I need some extra support – is that possible?

If you feel you need additional support in finding a suitable placement kindly contact our department to discuss the best options for you.

What are my rights and responsibilities?

Before you start the community work make sure that:

  • The purpose of the organisation matches your own values and beliefs;
  • Your role is clear and specific.

You are expected to:

  • Respect confidentiality and privacy;
  • be punctual and reliable;
  • adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures;
  • ask for support when needed;
  • support other team members.

Do I need to ask the organisation where I will be carrying out the community work to sign an attendance sheet?

Yes, you need to ask the responsible person at the organisation to sign the attendance sheet indicating the dates and number of hours.  As stated above you will find the attendance sheet in the formal acceptance email following your application.

None of these FAQs answers my question, what do I do now?

If we have not covered your question please contact us and we will be more than willing to help and support you.

Our contact details are:

James Camilleri – Manager CSR – 23987431

Richard Curmi – Director CSR & Events – 23987260/79250570

Noel Muscat – Manager CSR & Events – 23987267

Generic email – csr@mcast.edu.mt