Malta, 29th March 2024. In a significant initiative to foster migrant integration, MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station), in collaboration with Awas (Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers), inaugurated the “Learning and Information Centre” at the Hal Far Hangar Open Centre, Malta.
Migrants in Malta have limited access to online resources, which are increasingly used in an age of ubiquitous technology for educational purposes and community engagement (such as applying for jobs, health services, benefits, etc.). Those facing technology poverty are at a constant disadvantage, particularly in the educational space, leading to exacerbated vulnerabilities.
The centre aims to empower migrants in Malta by facilitating their integration and societal contributions through education and skill development. The space is equipped with desktop computers, tablets, and fibre-powered Internet connection as well as books, learning resources and presentation equipment; the facility offers residents a variety of educational resources. MOAS and Awas collaborate to manage the centre, providing a platform for other NGOs and agencies to conduct educational activities and training sessions. The learning centre will also be open for independent use (outside of classes/activities) for those residents wishing to use the facilities for CV writing, independent study, online courses, and registering for online services (such as government healthcare, legal aid, careers assistance, etc).
A very brief welcome address was followed by an informal introduction to the resources available in the centre. This was followed by a visit to the ongoing mural project and workshop realised by The Swedish Doing Good Association and in collaboration with Barcellona-based mural and graffiti artist Josep Herrera Ossó (aka Pep Walls). The mural focuses on a message of unity and solidarity and underscores the collaborative spirit of the initiative while raising environmental concerns.
In the long term, the use of the centres’ facilities will support the integration of residents into the wider community and the transition from supported living of the centres into independence and contributing to the broader community through increased education, language skills, the ability to engage with outside services, the establishment of future plans (such as identifying alternative accommodation), and finding of gainful employment. By fostering education and community engagement, the Learning and Information Centre embodies MOAS’s commitment to empowering migrants and promoting social cohesion.
MOAS expresses heartfelt gratitude to funders, Al Madad Foundation and Heidi Ruggier, CEO and Founder of Matte PR, for their invaluable contribution and support in realising this significant project.
Angie Garvich, Al Madad Foundation’s Managing Director, stated: “Al Madad Foundation (UK) believes in providing young people with the resources to enable them to build positive futures for themselves and those around them. We are proud to have played a part in the creation of this new centre and wish MOAS every success for its future”.
Christina Lejman, MOAS’ Director of Operations, said: “The MOAS team is absolutely delighted to announce the opening of the new Activity and Learning Centre at the Hangar Open Centre. We have been working on this project for several years alongside our donors and partners, and we are all looking forward to seeing the beneficiaries and other stakeholders make use of the space and take advantage of the resources and services on offer here. We hope this project contributes to the independence, well-being and integration of asylum seekers and refugees living in the Malta Open Centres. MOAS is grateful to our donors Al Madad Foundation and Heidi Ruggier, CEO and Founder, Matte PR and our main project partner AWAS (Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers) for all their support in bringing this program to fruition.”
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About MOAS
MOAS is an international humanitarian organization founded in 2013 and dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance and services to the most vulnerable communities around the world. Since its inception, MOAS has reached hundreds of thousands of people through its activities. After several Search and Rescue missions in the Mediterranean Aegean and Andaman seas, MOAS expanded its operations to Southeast Asia, to assist refugees and the local communities. Today MOAS is currently also involved in several missions in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia helping the most vulnerable communities. MOAS also operate in Malta with various projects to assist migrant communities. MOAS has the Ecosoc consultative status and is a member of the Malta Refugee Council.
Info: www.moas.eu