MOAS Integration Project kicks off with an art therapy session to celebrate Refugee Week 2022

To celebrate Refugee Week 2022 and this year’s theme, ‘Healing’, MOAS organised an art therapy session for young refugees and asylum seekers residing in Malta. The session was held at Ronald McDonald’s House of Charities Centre in cooperation with the Japanese artist Miyuki Sugihara. The artist donated her time to teach watercolour techniques to a group of teenagers coming from Sudan, Vietnam, Guinea, Eritrea, Kurdistan, and Ukraine. Each participant had the chance to express his/her feelings and ideas and to create a unique piece of art to bring home. Sam*, 18, from Eritrea, painted a candle for his mother who he described as the light of his life. Mohammed painted the flag of his country, which he ‘misses every day’.

This activity kicks off the Integration Through Education and Information project that aims to stimulate collaboration and networking serving the migration community in Malta. MOAS is engaging with stakeholders from Maltese Voluntary Organisations to coordinate activities, classes, and information sessions to enhance engagement and independence amongst the refugee and asylum seekers in the community.

Better coordination among stakeholders and local activity leaders will improve the diversity and breadth of activities available, increasing impact by reducing the duplication of services on the Island.

MOAS Co-founder and Director, Regina Catrambone said: “This first initiative was a great success, and more will follow as part of the project, to improve the integration in Malta. We wish to thank the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector for the grant, our partner Ronald McDonald House for hosting the session on their premises, and the artist Miyuki Sugihara for her continuous support towards MOAS’ work. Voluntary organisations are an integral part of civil society and collaboration is vital for migrants, refugee and asylum seeker integration. This project aims to strengthen the volunteer sector through capacity building, partnerships, and equality of opportunity”.

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 Organizations 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 herein.)