In an impressive display of solidarity and community support, the Rotary Club Malta, along with the Foundation for the Ukrainian Community of Malta, SOS Malta, and the Malta Union Club (Sliema), has initiated a vital project aimed at aiding displaced Ukrainians residing in Malta. Dubbed the "3rd Generation Ukrainian Social Club," this project seeks to address the isolation experienced by the Ukrainian community aged 50 and above, by integrating them into the local culture through education and social activities.
The initiative officially commenced with a heartwarming Ukrainian-style Christmas celebration on December 22, 2023, hosted at the Malta Union Club. The event not only served as the inaugural gathering for this ambitious project but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian community and the solidarity extended by the people of Malta. Past Presidents Rtn. Tonio Cuschieri and Rtn. Nicholas Samut-Tagliaferro, along with the current President Rtn. Herman Zandt, represented our Rotary Club Malta, showcasing the club's commitment to this cause.
Alexia Melkonyan, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Foundation for the Ukrainian Community of Malta, expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards the Rotary Club Malta for their support. She highlighted the success of the Christmas event, noting the profound impact it had on the attendees. The opportunity to sing Christmas Carols in Ukrainian, a first in a decade for many, provided a poignant reminder of home and a much-needed respite from the challenges faced by the displaced community.
The feedback from the event attendees underscored the critical importance of such initiatives in fostering a sense of belonging and community among those who have been uprooted from their homeland. It is a vivid reminder of the power of collective effort in making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
The "3rd Generation Ukrainian Social Club" is set to continue its activities until June 2024, with ongoing discussions on how the Rotary Club Malta can further assist the displaced Ukrainians in Malta in a sustainable manner. This project is not just about providing immediate support but about building long-term solutions for integration and cultural exchange.
We stand together in the Rotary spirit, committed to making a difference in the world. Our journey with the Ukrainian community in Malta is just beginning, and we look forward to the positive changes and shared experiences this project will bring. Together, we can create a world that embraces diversity, fosters understanding, and champions the cause of those in need.