Our Objective:

Our aims are to: promote Humanism in Malta; express the Humanist position on issues; act as a forum to exchange ethical ideas; propose legislation; develop the moral basis of secular society; engage with other Humanist organisations; develop ethical educational programmes; collaborate with other Voluntary Organisations with similar objectives; improve the conditions of humanity; organise talks and other events; and engage in activities that support the principles of Humanism.

Our Mission Statment:

To work towards a more equitable and humane society based on freedom of thought, secular ethics, and emotional intelligence – grounded in science, reason and compassion.

Description:

Humanism is a democratic, secular and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and does not accept supernatural views of reality.
The Malta Humanist Association (MHA) was founded in 2010, and we now have some 2,000 followers. Alongside other activities associated with our Objectives, we offer ceremonies (weddings, baby-namings, funerals and memorials) for those without religious beliefs.

Projects Being Run:

1 Who am I? Why am I here? Exploring pupils’ inquiries on existential themes
The project seeks to collaborate with a secondary school on deepening their students’ inquiry of existentialist themes beyond the curriculum. Existential questions are relevant to Year 9 to Year 11 students in particular, who will be starting to grapple with profound existential topics such as the meaning of existence, anxiety, the nature of personal identity, authenticity, the possession of free will, discomfort or fascination with death. The project builds on the valuable existential groundwork laid by the Personal and Social Development programme, as well as the Ethics and English Literature SEC syllabi, in the form of dialogue-based, small-group tutorials where children can explore existential inquiry in a safe but challenging space.
2 Sciencivicus : Active citizenship through science education
Sciencivicus is a youth exchange about how to become more powerful citizens and have a healthy civic life with the help of science. The project is focused on developing critical thinking, using science as a tool for protecting human rights, understanding basic science concepts, and fighting pseudo-science. The project is between 5 partners, Romania, Italy, Malta, Poland and Turkey. Six young people and 1 group leader from each country will be taking part in May 2022, in Bucharest.
3 Trust oneself to trust others: Erasmus+ Youth KA105 Youth Exchange
This exchange will help young people to seek their identities, emancipate, and learn how to better trust themselves, for a fairer and more humanist world. The project is between 4 partners. The exchange will be in Italy, with 10 participants and 2 group leaders from each organisation.

How to Volunteer:

Volunteers and new members are always welcome. Visit our website maltahumanist.org or Facebook page Malta Humanist Association.

Opportunities:

The MHA is run entirely by volunteers. Our work is varied, and we are involved in several activities with which assistance would always be appreciated, including events (currently online) and contributions to national debates on secularism and Freedom of Thought; sexual and reproductive health rights; immigration and non-discrimination; and assisted dying. Particular skills we are looking for include IT/Website administration; public relations; and development of proposals for funding and grants for projects.