A graduation ceremony was held to celebrate the achievements of 306 participants from 38 different nationalities who successfully completed the second stage of “I Belong”, Malta’s national integration programme. Organised jointly by the Human Rights Directorate and MCAST, the programme supports newcomers in developing the knowledge, language skills, and cultural understanding needed to actively participate in Maltese society.

“I Belong” combines cultural orientation with Maltese language learning, helping participants navigate the local context while fostering mutual respect, inclusion, and social cohesion among people from diverse backgrounds. The diversity of this cohort, drawn from 38 nationalities, reflects the increasingly international character of Malta’s communities and the growing demand for structured pathways to integration.

Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar attended the ceremony and congratulated graduates on their dedication throughout the programme. The Minister described integration as a process that goes beyond language acquisition and cultural knowledge, enabling individuals to access opportunities, participate fully in public life, and develop a genuine sense of belonging. She characterised “I Belong” as an important pillar of Malta’s national integration policy and underscored that successful integration benefits both migrants and Maltese society alike, requiring the active involvement of educational institutions, employers, civil society, local communities, and citizens.

Christie Spiteri, Assistant Director within the Human Rights Directorate, highlighted the significance of institutional cooperation in driving initiatives of this kind. She noted that programmes such as “I Belong” encourage dialogue, raise awareness of the challenges faced by those integrating into a new society, and contribute to the development of more inclusive policies rooted in respect for diversity.

In a moment that underscored the programme’s impact, two participants delivered addresses in Maltese during the ceremony, a testament to the progress graduates made throughout their time on the programme.