The campaign was divided into 2 separate events; the first being a student debate about social perceptions on the topic of migration. The debate took an unconventional route, by letting students deliberate amongst themselves about their personal opinions and perspectives on this incredibly vast topic. The newly formed executive of the reformed organisation ASA (Arts Students’ Association, including Gillian Asciak, JC Fenech and Nicole Micallef, collaborated with SSA (Sociology Students’ Association), with Bridget Borg as a representative, bringing together this exciting initiative.
The introduction included a round of ice-breakers to ensure that everyone got to know each other a little bit, which provided the right atmosphere for students to express themselves and put down their boundaries on this slightly taboo subject. Interestingly enough, the balance of the room consisted of individuals who both identified themselves as locals and foreigners, which provide a holistic and comprehensive view on the matter. ASA and SSA had prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the event. Their presentation consisted of slides which all had extremely valid points on emigration, such points which, in our busy life, we take for granted. Nicole explained that migration is not an issue which has arisen in the 21st century, but has been part of human nature since the beginning of time. Just as people migrate today for a better life, 400 years ago people shared the same ideas – moving to another place to stay alive.
She included an example of the emergence of Ancient Israel and how it was made up of 3 different ethnicities, yet they emerged together and managed to integrate together. This brought about the issue of integration we are facing today. Even though there are places such as China Town in London or Maltese communities in Australia and Canada, integration is a sensitive topic in today’s current affairs. The idea of integration brings on a number of questions – what do we call these people who live in one place yet are from another? Is there a loss of ethnicity? And the questions which brought about a hot discussion amongst us – what is home? What does it take to be Maltese, Austrian or any nationality?
What makes home to migrants and us? Is it family? Job opportunities? The place itself? Many of us found this a difficult question and there could be no right or wrong to it. We began to realise that we had more in common with each other than we thought; that it’s difficult to describe ourselves with just one word. Maltese as a nationality has come from such a concoctions of cultures that it is hard to pinpoint what really makes us Maltese. The debate took a turn into the way we interpret migration and emigrants. The media has perceived that every immigrant is illegal and that the rate of illegal immigrants is a concerning one. Yet, we never seem to mention the large numbers of legal immigrants who come to host countries for the same reasons as illegal immigrants do – for a better life. Why do we spend so much time concerned over illegal immigrants who come and take jobs which, frankly no one seems interested in anyways? Should we be more worried about legal Europeans who are coming and taking our jobs due to having more experience or that the employer is able to pay them a lower rate? This is obviously another argument all together.
Two hours flew by without us noticing, as we discussed openly regarding our perspectives of the topic and the many themes and issues which branch under the word MIGRATION. From host countries to what makes a country or city a home, to gender inequality and racial issues. The discussion ended on the note that migration is something which will never stop, as it is a basic human instinct and that hopefully, in years to come, we will see that we all share the same human rights and dreams of living a better life.
The second event consisted of a panel of experts, which included immigrants themselves. This provided a different facet of the debate and we got to see the idea of migration from the point of view of a migrant.
First to talk about his experience was Sari, a legal immigrant from Libya. He discussed that at first, he was quite worried about how he would be welcomed by locals, however, to his delight, he found integration happened quite naturally. A small stumbling block he encountered was in terms of his qualifications being recognised locally. Although Sari worked in the education department back home, he had to retake tests in order to establish his level of education; however, he now happily works as a translator. Sari concludes that Malta is his new home and has no desires to go back to Libya, where conflict and struggle is present.
Irish humanitarian Margaret has been working in the field of migration and refugees since 1993, and is still going strong. What instantly struck her was that no matter the difficulty, brutality and conflict these people faced every day, they still remained so strong. Since moving to Malta, she has now shifted to working with survivors of such situations directly, and she thanked all the organisations which gave her such an opportunity. Margaret retold a tale of a Nigerian girl who she had helped to achieve her dream of studying medicine back in Ireland. Even though this particular girl achieved the highest results to enter the course, her application was denied due to financial circumstance. However, this story does not end on a bitter note. Thanks to the help of numerous donations, enough funds were gathered to provide for her education.
Margaret clarifies that such a case is not present in Malta, as migrants are lucky to have access to state funded education. However, what she is disappointed with locally is that Burden Sharing, which was devised according to the Geneva Convention, does not seem to be implemented whatsoever in the case of Malta. The tiny island, with an already high density of population, is feeling over-burdened by immigration. In fact, 8 out of 10 asylum seekers are granted protection locally. However, this does not imply in any way that these people should not be protected from their war-torn countries, but that on an international level, not enough is being done in order for Malta to feel less of the burden and at the same time, ensure that immigrants are given the best assistance and facilities as possible.
Later on in the event, John, an immigrant from Nigeria arrived and joined the panel. John explained that even though he has not yet been granted protection in Malta, he still feels very welcomed and at home. He moved on to divulge his gratitude to locals who have not only been friendly, but have opened their homes to him. As a man who has been homeless since 1996, being welcomed with arms wide open is something he treasures. Back in Africa, John expressed his feelings of fear and lack of safety, in a country which he considered as home.
The events were not only successful but also drilled an important lesson; it is easy to be blinded by what the media informs you about migration and migrants, yet we will never understand the full story unless we are ready to take off our blindfolds and listen to each other’s stories.
