Qlubija: The Courage to Start Afresh and Stand Together.  

What does courage look like?

Sometimes, it looks like learning a new language in a country you have never known. Sometimes, it means rebuilding your life after war at the age of fifty. Sometimes, it means telling your own story instead of allowing others to tell it for you.

These questions and experiences were at the heart of this year's Malta Refugee Week conference, Qlubija, the Maltese word for ‘courage’, held at St Albert Hall in Valletta.

Bringing together refugees, community leaders, educators, activists, and members of the public, the event was not simply a conference about migration. It was a celebration of resilience, belonging, and the collective courage required to build inclusive communities.

Breaking Bread Together

The event began with a networking lunch that immediately reflected the spirit of the event. The delicious food was prepared by Baba Ganoush, a Syrian refugee-led catering service whose story itself embodies entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and the contributions that refugee communities continue to make in Malta.

As participants gathered over traditional dishes, conversations flowed naturally, reminding everyone that sharing food is often the first step towards building understanding and connection.

Following the lunch, Martha Desalegn Wakjira from Blue Door Education welcomed participants and set the tone for a day centred on listening, learning, and standing together.

Qlubija Personali: The Courage to Start Afresh

Moderated by Professor Maria Pisani from the University of Malta, the first panel explored the deeply personal dimensions of displacement, adaptation, and resilience. Interpreters ensured that every voice could be heard and understood, reinforcing the event's commitment to inclusion.

One of the most inspiring stories came from Abdoulaye Mara, currently studying Mechanical Engineering at MCAST. When Abdoulaye first arrived in Malta, he spoke no English. His educational journey began at Blue Door Education and later continued through the support of JRS Malta.

Through perseverance and determination, he not only pursued higher education but was also recognised as the first runner-up for EPALE's Best Adult Learner Award 2025. His story was a powerful reminder that access to education can transform lives and that integration is a process built on opportunity, support, and personal courage.

The audience also heard from Halyna and Ivan Lysak, a Ukrainian couple who arrived in Malta after being forced to leave their home country. Beginning a new chapter in one's fifties presents challenges that are often overlooked, yet their story demonstrated remarkable strength and adaptability.

They spoke about learning new systems, engaging with the local community, and finding ways to preserve their culture while embracing their new environment. Their experiences highlighted that courage does not diminish with age; if anything, it deepens through life's challenges and transitions.

Another powerful contribution came from A. Alsalem, a Syrian activist whose childhood was profoundly shaped by conflict. At just fifteen years old, he witnessed his city being bombarded, an experience that changed the course of his life forever.

Yet, rather than allowing those circumstances to define his future, he rebuilt his path through education in Turkey before eventually establishing his own business. His story illustrated that resilience is not merely about survival—it is about creating new possibilities and finding purpose despite unimaginable adversity.

The audience engagement during this session was exceptional. Participants asked thoughtful questions, shared reflections, and connected with the speakers' experiences, transforming the discussion into a genuine dialogue rather than a one-sided conversation.

Qlubija Ċivika: The Courage to Stand Together

If the first session focused on personal courage, the second explored something equally important: civic courage. Moderated by Simone Inguanez from Arts Council Malta, Qlubija Ċivika examined how communities, organisations, and individuals work together to create spaces of belonging and solidarity.

The panel featured representatives from a diverse range of organisations, including Mariosa Caruana from JRS Malta, Mohamed Dali Aguerbi from MGRM, Denise Refalo Cutajar from FSWS ACTS Qawra, and Regine Nguini from the African Media Association Malta.

One particularly compelling perspective came from Raphael Scerri of Banda Kuncizzjoni Ħamrun, whose work demonstrates how traditional Maltese institutions can become spaces of inclusion and community-building. His contribution highlighted the importance of local organisations in fostering meaningful relationships between Maltese residents and refugee communities, showing that integration is not a one-sided process but a shared commitment.

The discussion repeatedly returned to the idea that communities strengthen individual courage. When people feel welcomed, heard, and supported, they are more able to rebuild their lives and contribute their talents.

A particularly powerful message came from Regine Nguini, who challenged dominant narratives around migration. She emphasised that if refugees and migrants are to be truly heard, they must be given the opportunity to tell their own stories rather than having their experiences filtered through mainstream perspectives.

Her words resonated deeply with the audience and served as an important reminder that representation matters, not simply as a matter of visibility, but as a means of restoring agency, dignity, and authenticity.

Once again, audience participation was remarkable. Questions and reflections continued long after the formal discussions ended, demonstrating a genuine desire among attendees to engage with these issues thoughtfully and collectively.

A Warm and Joyful Ending

The conference concluded with closing remarks by Umayma Elamin Amer from the Migrant Women Association Malta.

Yet perhaps the most memorable and heartwarming moment of the entire day came afterwards. The performance by the Ukrainian Children's Folk Dance Group brought an atmosphere of joy, warmth, and celebration to St Albert Hall. Dressed in traditional costumes and performing with remarkable energy and pride, the children captivated everyone in the room. It was, without doubt, one of the highlights of the day.

Their performance was more than entertainment; it was a beautiful expression of cultural identity, resilience, and hope. It reminded us that integration does not require people to leave their heritage behind. Instead, truly inclusive societies create space for traditions, languages, and cultures to flourish alongside one another.

The smiles, applause, and sense of togetherness that filled the hall perfectly captured the spirit of Malta Refugee Week.

The Many Faces of Courage

This year's conference demonstrated that courage comes in many forms.

It is found in learning a new language and pursuing education in adulthood. It is found in starting over after leaving one's home country at fifty. It is found in transforming trauma into activism and entrepreneurship. It is found in communities that open their doors and in organisations that stand alongside those rebuilding their lives.

Most importantly, it is found in people claiming ownership of their own stories.

Qlubija is not only about starting afresh. It is also about standing together, and recognising that stronger, more inclusive communities are built when every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

Martha Desalegn Wakjira is Operations Manager, a Board Member at, and Co-Founder of Blue Door Education in Valletta, Malta. An Ethiopian professional living and working in Malta, she brings a vital, lived perspective to her roles as a mentor and activist. Martha has been a key pillar of the Blue Door Education community since 2019, where she leverages her linguistic and operational skills and insights to help adult learners integrate through education. Her work is defined by an intersectional approach to humanitarianism, focusing on the dignity, integration, and agency of refugees and asylum seekers.

All photos taken by Stephen Buhagiar for: Il-Qlubija tar-Rifuġjati: A Malta Refugee Council Conference on Refugee Courage.