As you may already know, in March 2022, MOAS launched its new “Integration Through Education and Information”(insert the link also in Italian translation pls) project, funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector. With this innovative initiative, MOAS aims to engage with stakeholders from voluntary organisations and the migrant community to coordinate activities, classes and information sessions in Malta. These activities aim to facilitate integration and promote cultural exchange among participants.
In case you have missed it, here is an update on the activities we have carried out in the last few months!
Visit to the Logos Hope Ship
Did you know that the world’s largest floating book fair had landed in Malta in July of this year? Among the 20,000 visitors that the Logos Hope hosted on board during its stay in Malta, there was also a group of young asylum seekers and migrants living on the Island. In fact, on Tuesday 26th July, MOAS organized a guided tour of the vessel for them: during the tour, participants learnt more about the crew’s life on board and the different training they must attend to become first official volunteers, and they have also learnt about the work Logos’ volunteer do to help communities around the world.
After an interview with Randy Grebe, Logos Hope Director, to discuss about the importance of sharing culture to boost growth and celebrate human diversity, the group had the opportunity to explore Logos Hope’s library which hosts more than 5,000 different book titles, and to buy some books.
A young Eritrean participant to the tour was also gifted a Bible written in Ge’ez, a liturgical, Semitic language of the Ethiopian church. The young boy had been looking for a Bible in his language since he landed in Maltese territory but, unfortunately, had never managed to find one. Luckily enough, there was one on board the Logos Hope and it was gifted to him by the Logos Hope and MOAS directors. The boy couldn’t believe it:
“I was so surprised to find the bible which is written in geez in the big ship. It means a lot to me. There is a problem when you translate the Bible written in English to my own language because the words assume a different meaning. And the Bible is not like any other book. It is not easy for me to understand written English. That is why, for me, the Bible I got from the Logos Hope is such a special thing. I want to thank all the members of the vessel, but especially Logos Hope Director and Regina Catrambone for this gift. And I want to thank also the MOAS team for having organized such a great visit.”
This visit really meant a lot for all the participants and the MOAS team, and it was a great moment to share our experiences and to get to know each other better.
Watch the video to find out more about this trip.
Visit to the Malta National Aquarium
On August 19th, alongside the Maltese non-governmental organization Centru Tbexbix, we organised a visit to the Malta National Aquarium with a group of children of both immigrant and Maltese background.
Through this activity, the children were able to visit the aquarium in Malta and engage with each other, thus fulfilling the very aim of integration. Children played and communicated with each other, enabling a wider inclusion of migrant kids from the Hal Far migrant centre, but also enabling Maltese children to interact with different cultures and opening up to different cultures.
“For most of our children this was the first time they visited the Malta Aquarium and all of them were in awe as well as excited at the experience. It was difficult to contain their enthusiasm. Some of our volunteers are from the European Solidarity Corps programme and even for them it was amazing to learn about the different characteristics of sea life in the different zones. There was also ample time for them to integrate with the MOAS team and exchange viewpoints about the different volunteering experiences. We are very happy that we were part of this collaboration, and thanks MOAS for inviting our children and volunteers to share this experience.”
- Katherine, staff member of Centru Tbexbix
One day excursion to Gozo
One of our latest integration activities has been a one-day trip to Gozo, Malta’s sister island, with a group of young asylum seekers and migrants residing in Malta. For most of the participants, this was their first time in Gozo and, throughout the day, we had the chance to visit the Ggantija Temples, two UNESCO World Heritage megalithic temples, Victoria and the Cittadella with its astonishing views over the entire island and its archaeological museum.
After a quick stop for lunch in the city of Marsalforn, the group headed to the salt plants and to Xlendi Bay’s calm waters for an ice-cream. It’s true what they say: time flies when you’re having fun! The day went by so fast, but all the participants really had a good time and enjoyed the day in Gozo.
Marlene, one of the participants, said: “It was an amazing day today: it was lovely and a united group, and the trip has been very well organized! Thank you for the welcoming and kindness in offering this trip to us, it was a nice gesture! We have made new friends and get to know different cultures and traditions from all around the world. We have all enjoyed it a lot and we can’t wait to attend more outings and activities that MOAS will organize.”
Watch our video to find out more about the trip.
Final remarks
The values lying at the bottom of our organisation are those of support and inclusion of all people carrying their own cultural, religious and emotional baggage. Those values drive our work toward a more inclusive and cohesive society, where cross-cultural integration is a successful process that empowers each individual with their own story. MOAS VOP’s activities are a tool that paves the pathway to reach this ambition, and that is why we are proud of this project.
This project has been funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector supported by the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights (MIVC)”.
(This project/publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein).
