MOAS initiative funded by the VOPS Scheme
A series of monthly workshops using food, storytelling and shared heritage to strengthen social inclusion and community cohesion
Malta, 12th May 2026.
The international humanitarian organisation MOAS-Migrant Offshore Aid Station has been awarded a grant under the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) to implement Bridging Cultures Through Food, an innovative year‑long programme designed to strengthen social inclusion, promote cultural exchange and empower refugee and migrant women in Malta. The initiative will be delivered in collaboration with the Migrant Women Association of Malta (MWAM).
Food has long been recognised as a powerful connector between communities, and the project aims to harness this universal language to bring together refugees, migrants and local residents. Over twelve months, MWAM’s refugee and migrant women will lead hands‑on cooking sessions, sharing recipes and personal stories from their countries of origin. These workshops are designed to foster an inclusive and welcoming space where cultural traditions are celebrated, social isolation is challenged, and participants can build meaningful connections and a genuine sense of belonging.
The initiative will culminate in the publication of a community cookbook featuring the dishes and stories shared throughout the year. This final output will serve as a lasting testament to the connections formed and will “preserve cultural knowledge, foster continued dialogue, and extend the project’s reach beyond the workshops.”
The workshops will be hosted at the Valletta Design Cluster, whose fully equipped teaching kitchens provide an accessible, professional and welcoming environment for all participants. The sessions will be supported by volunteers, including members of the European Solidarity Corps, who will gain valuable hands-on experience in community engagement, intercultural dialogue and project coordination as they contribute to the smooth running of the initiative.
The programme will launch in May 2026, with registration opening once the full calendar is confirmed, with the first workshop taking place on the 29th May 2026. MOAS invites the community to follow moas.eu and its social media channels for upcoming dates, themes and participation details.
MOAS received the grant award during the annual ceremony, hosted at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana, Malta, and presented by the Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli (Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations) and in the presence of Gertrude Buttiġieġ (Chairperson for Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector) and Mauro Pace Parascandalo (Chief Executive Officer MCVS).
Christina Lejman, MOAS’ Director of Operations, stated: “MOAS is honoured to once again receive support through the VOPS Scheme. Bridging Cultures Through Food is rooted in the belief that shared meals can open doors to understanding. I’ve seen it firsthand, whether it was the aroma of Pakistani chicken pulao filling the kitchen or the joy of shaping Mexican tortas together, these workshops turn strangers into collaborators and conversations into connections. By placing refugee and migrant women in leadership roles, we celebrate their culinary traditions while strengthening the social fabric of Malta. We are excited to continue this journey with MWAM and everyone who will join us.”
PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Christina Lejman
Director of Operations & Fundraising
Tel. +356 79900058
[email protected]
This project has been funded by the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).
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.
