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Hundreds of people, from all walks of life, have had the opportunity to encounter asylum seekers who found themselves seeking protection in Malta, thanks to the latest outreach programme Learning Human Stories.
These sessions, organized by JRS Malta in collaboration with SOS Malta and Justice and Peace Commission, provided the general public a chance to speak, listen and ask questions on migration, and more importantly, get an answer directly from the asylum seekers themselves.
More than a dozen different parish groups welcomed the JRS Outreach Coordinator and a guest asylum seeker, as speaker, during the numerous sessions held between October and January 2022.
A total of 27 session were held in dozens of locations around Malta and Gozo.
The idea of these sessions was to fight misinformation on migration, foster a culture of inclusion and promote active citizenship through the simple, yet very effective method, of encounter.
Participants heard ‘shocking’, ‘powerful’ testimonies from asylum seekers
In total, this outreach programme managed to reach around 500 people from varying groups in both Malta and Gozo.
From the information collected during these sessions, it transpired that the majority of the participants were 60 years old or older. This is a demographic which is not normally reached by social media or the rest of the JRS online presence, making these sessions with the local community vital.
Many participants could not clearly identify what a ‘refugee’ really meant and, through these sessions, learned the correct terminology of ‘irregular’ instead of the term ‘illegal’, and the difference between an asylum seeker, refugee, and migrant.
The ‘encounter’ stage between participants and migrant story-tellers left a strong impact on the audience. The testimonies presented by migrants were described as ‘shocking’, ‘powerful’, and ‘eye-opening’ to new perspectives and difficulties migrants endure when traveling till they reach their destination in Europe.
It is also significant to add that participants identified a reality of racism, discrimination, and persecution when it comes to immigration in Malta. Above all, participants noted that they were able to feel more empathy towards those who escape wars and persecution after hearing the migrants’ perspectives.
The programme has also given participants insight on the legal procedures that migrants undergo once they arrive in Malta; procedures in which many described as ‘unfair’ and ‘horrible’. Asylum seekers who spoke at these sessions all expressed their concern regarding the Maltese system on detention centres and screenings.
Following these sessions, JRS Malta also recorded feedback from the asylum seekers who participated in these talks. They said they feel more confident in sharing their stories with others. They also said that their public speaking skills were improved.
They did however express concern over the fact that, in some cases, the public treats them with ‘pity’ rather than ‘respect’.
Following the encouraging feedback, JRS Malta intends to dedicate more effort into creating safe spaces where the public can meet, speak and listen, first-hand, experiences of asylum seekers who end up in Malta looking for a better life.
This project was funded by the Active Citizens Fund.
The government of Malta was ordered to pay €5,000 to a teenage asylum seeker for breaching his fundamental rights. Judge Giovanni Grixti ruled that Ayoubah Fona was unlawfully detained as a minor in poor conditions. Lawyer Neil Falzon from aditus foundation, together...
As 2025 draws to a close, we want to thank you for continuing to walk this journey with us, a journey alongside countless refugees and displaced families who long for safety, peace, and a place to belong. Unfortunately, just when the needs are greatest, devastating...
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JRS Malta is teaming up with Jesuits & Friends to launch the latest in a series of our fundraising efforts. This time, we are calling on all running enthusiasts to join the Jesuits & Friends Team at the LifeStar Malta Marathon and help raise funds for JRS in...
A new JRS Malta report uncovers shocking levels of exploitation and mistreatment among migrant workers in Malta, including withholding of wages, firing people without due cause, violations of health and safety regulations, and numerous instances of bullying,...
On Friday, 12th September, we invite you to gather with us at St Aloysius College, B’Kara, for our annual fundraising celebration, Under the Stars. Doors open at 7pm. This year’s event is all about celebrating community – with live music, delicious food, and a raffle...
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JRS Malta is seeking to recruit a Maternity Leave Cover – Advocacy & Administration to work with forced migrants and asylum seekers. The selected candidate will be offered a 6-month definite term full-time contract. As this post is a maternity leave cover, renewal...
JRS Malta is seeking to recruit a LAWYER, to work with asylum seekers and immigrants in Malta. The post is a full-time post, however applications from individuals wishing to work part-time or reduced hours will also be considered. Individuals who cannot work at least...
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