During the closing conference of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project, themed “Looking back. Looking forward,” the results achieved through this project, co-funded by the European Union under the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF), were presented.
During this conference, it was announced that through the “I Belong” program, which is part of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project, over 4000 individuals were trained in the Maltese and English languages, as well as local culture. This program was an integral part of the implementation of the First National Integration Strategy and Action Plan. The program, which began in March 2018, was conducted in collaboration with MCAST, the University of Malta, and the Department of Lifelong Learning.
The conference was attended by the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, who emphasized the importance of outreach not only to foreigners but also to the rest of the population, so that everyone feels included and valued.
Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the role that individuals should play in understanding better the significant diversity and intersectional identities within communities. Therefore, services provided should meet these diverse needs, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She also emphasized the importance of education in strengthening integration in the country.
“As a government, we strongly believe that education is essential for strengthening integration. As time passes, we are realizing how the world is becoming one global village. Therefore, to continue improving our work in favor of integration, I encourage everyone to contribute their ideas and proposals in the Public Consultation for the Second National Integration Strategy and Action Plan, which is currently open until the end of June. Our ultimate goal is to have a more equal and prosperous society,” said Buttigieg.
During the conference, Mr. Alexander Tortell from the Directorate for Human Rights also spoke, explaining that numerous information sessions on various topics of interest to the Directorate’s clients were organized throughout this project. These topics included documentation, access to education, sexual and reproductive health, and many others. He also mentioned that the Directorate for Human Rights, in collaboration with the University of Malta, developed and offered the first Diploma in Education for Cultural Mediation, which provides professional training for cultural mediators, who are crucial in intercultural contexts like our country.
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