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A New Story, A New Year – Peace Lab International Immigration Day
This time of the year is a time of storytelling. We tell stories of the year that has gone by. We meet in homes to recite tales that start with well known phrases: “Twas the night before Christmas”. We meet around the lights to tell the story of a young couple who migrated with their baby 2000 years ago. We pray in mosques using the language of pilgrimage. So, on the 18th December 2018, International Immigration Day, we sat down to share the new story we have spent the past year writing for ourselves.
The narrative we have been presented with about immigration and the state of intercultural relations is not a good one. One only need open a browser or turn on the television to see this. Three years ago, a group of Verdala International School students partnered with the Peace Laboratory in Hal-far to start writing a different story. What began as awkward monthly meals prepared together has developed into ongoing friendships. We have very little in common: diverse ages, languages, nationalities, citizenship statuses and life experiences. On paper it makes no sense. But, over the past three years, we have gardened, drummed, painted, eaten, BBQ’d and laughed together. We have learned so much about each other. On any given night, at least 6 languages can be heard: Maltese, Arabic, French, Twi, Italian and Wolof.
The Peace Lab is one of those unique places where the unexpected is expected. Having a church and a mosque within meters of each other is simply remarkable. In June, we celebrated the end of Ramadan together, a celebration of unity with friends, family and teachers. From this visit, one of our community mothers decided that the mosque needed a revamp as it was a holy place and the resources were available. Along with the help of the Libyan community in Malta they financed the renovation of the inside of the mosque. They provided paint, brushes, carpets, individual prayer mats and electronic prayer counters, all we had to do was the physical work. A few hours later and the space was transformed.
VIS Peace Lab Partnership Leadership Team
VIS Serves