During the graduation from the national integration programme “I Belong,” organised by the Directorate for Human Rights and MCAST, the achievements of 306 participants from 38 different nationalities who successfully completed the second stage of the programme were celebrated.
I Belong assists with integration by providing participants with the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in Maltese society. Through a cultural orientation and language learning programme, the programme helps people better understand the local context. This promotes inclusion, mutual respect and social cohesion between people of different backgrounds.
In her address, Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar congratulated the graduates for the commitment and determination they showed throughout the programme, while stressing that integration is not just a matter of language learning or cultural awareness, but a process that allows individuals to fully participate in society, access opportunities and feel part of the community.
Minister Cutajar stated that the I Belong programme is one of the main pillars of Malta’s integration policy, as it helps to strengthen social cohesion, mutual understanding and the active participation of people from different backgrounds in Maltese society. She went on to explain that when integration works, the benefits are felt by both migrants and Maltese society as a whole. She emphasised that integration is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of educational institutions, employers, civil society, local communities and all citizens.
At her closing, Minister Rosianne Cutajar thanked the staff of the Directorate for Human Rights, educators, administrators and partners at MCAST for their commitment in delivering the programme. She wished the graduates success in their future, while affirming that their contribution will continue to strengthen the Maltese and Gozitan communities.
Christie Spiteri, Assistant Director within the Directorate for Human Rights, said that this event is of particular importance for the Directorate as it strengthens collaboration between institutions and stakeholders in the promotion of human rights, equality and social cohesion. She stressed that such initiatives create space for constructive dialogue, help to increase public awareness of existing challenges and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and diversity-based policy.
During the graduation, two participants from the I Belong programme also spoke, addressing those present in the Maltese language.
