The pulsing beat of the djembes reverberated through the school hall as Pietà Primary School was transformed into an exotic fusion of colours and smells, with għonnelli mingling with saris and ġbejniet displayed alongside Eastern herbs.
Organised by the Jesuit Refugee Service, yesterday’s colourful event aimed at celebrating a multicultural country.
JRS members braided a girls’ hair as the rest of the schoolchildren ran excitedly across the hall, stopping at the different stalls representing the students’ countries of origin.
According to school head Theresa Miceli, the school hosts children of 17 nationalities, including Egyptian, Libyan, Moroccan, Serbian, Pakistani, Kurdish, Indian, Italian and British.
“We believe in fostering social inclusion. Malta is changing and becoming increasingly multicultural. However, unfortunately, a certain degree of discrimination persists within the fabric of Maltese society.”
According to JRS programme coordinator Goitom Yosief, the situation is improving since he first landed on our shores from Eritrea seven years ago.
He manages to disentangle himself from the children’s hugs to explain that the multicultural day is, in fact, part of a project titled Promoting The Integration Of Refugees Through Awareness Raising.
The JRS had embarked on a school outreach programme nine years ago. Members of the NGO visit 35 schools a year, spreading the message of tolerance and telling refugees’ stories of fleeing conflict. They even set up a theatre performance based on a book published last year, called Kidane: A Story of Hope.
However, yesterday was more about appreciating diversity and celebrating different nationalities, Mr Yosief said.
“It is of paramount importance that the promotion of cultural diversity is done from a very young age,” he added, looking at children of different ethnicity and religions seamlessly interacting and laughing together.
“By the time they reach secondary school, their perceptions and opinions would have already been formed. And it is important to follow that up and drum the message that every culture is beautiful.”
He highlighted the importance of multicultural diversity and integration in policies.
“The authorities must reflect this. This event is organised with the support of the Education Department. I hope that other ministries collaborate to develop a policy and vision for better integration. And this also includes local councils. They too must reflect this reality of a changing Malta.”
According to PSD teachers Ainsley Cassar and Rita Bonett, there were students who felt ashamed of saying where they hailed from and what their religion was.
“We’re pleased to see them fully immersed and participating in today’s activity. It’s all about fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.”