SAME DIFFERENCE (2011)
| General Programme Solidarity & Management of Migration Flows 2007 -2013 Project part-financed from the European Union European Refugee Fund (ERF III) 2011 Annual Programme Co-financing rate: 75% EU Funds: 25% NGO Funds | 
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Stepping Out
The number of people residing in a country that is not their country of birth has been increasing yearly due to globalisation. Malta has become host to a lot of ethnic minorities who have left their countries of origin in search for a better life and, for others, a safe haven. The European Union has emphasised that integration of immigrants into European countries is a priority. Integration is the process of becoming an accepted part of a foreign society and of accepting that society, based on the principles of equality, human rights, diversity and inclusion (Süssmuth & Weidenfeld XIV). There is need for actions that reinforce the values underpinning the European integration process such as solidarity, equal opportunity, tolerance, social inclusion and intercultural understanding. Feeling totally integrated is a desired goal for many immigrants. They want to fit into the society of their new home country and they want to be part of it. But what do they need to do to become integrated?
SameDifference is a project being implemented by SOS Malta and is co-funded by the European Refugee Fund Annual Programme 2011. The project's main objective is to promote meaningful contact and interaction between refugees and immigrants with subsidiary protection and different sectors of the Maltese community in an informal setting using ethnic food as a communication and bridging medium. Some of the migrants in Malta possess culinary skills that can be passed on to the host community. Social and cultural interaction between migrants and the local community can enable the migrants to live amongst and alongside the host population as active players in the local community. Ethnic diversity is an opportunity to be seized, not an obstacle to be overcome. We can only learn to appreciate the benefits of this diversity if we engage with other cultures. SameDifference is a practical platform for such interaction using food among peoples of different traditions and backgrounds. Such exchanges among cultures are the foundation of a dialogue that can foster greater tolerance and respect.
This project is an integration initiative that seeks to explore what makes people belong in a community and how they might belong more through the interaction of sharing food and experiences. The preparation of food and the social relationships that can develop through this process is a fascinating area of interest in Malta. Integration through food can link different cultures together and make everybody feel part of the same action.
Inclusive interaction with participants of diverse backgrounds contributes to a society focused LESS on individual differences and MORE on shared experiences. Social integration is more than being IN the community. It means being PART of the community! Social integration is based on individual integrity and respect for the individual as part of the community.
SameDifference endeavours to bridge the cultural gap by enjoying food through a shared activity, thus promoting dialogue and building a sense of belonging, all key to individual and community integration. Through this project, migrants will be given the opportunity to learn by doing, learn more about other cultures and ways of behaving and gain insight into the Maltese way of life. Through food, it is envisaged that greater knowledge can be accessed and that there will be increased information interchange and regular dialogue in a relaxed atmosphere.
A team of 5 ‘cultural ambassadors all having refugee or humanitarian/subsidiary status will travel to various communities in Malta and Gozo to share ethnic food with local community groups and initiate dialogue. The ambassadors will be trained in food handling techniques and will serve the food at local events. Both the ambassadors and the participants in events will be encouraged to start up a dialogue while partaking of the food.
Cultural ambassadors from different migrant ethnic backgrounds are working with SameDifference to create initiatives in which people can successfully step outside their familiar frameworks to identify and address the embedded attitudes, assumptions and ways of thinking that drive behaviour and hold the cultural limitations in place. In doing so, the migrants gain the freedom to act in new ways and to forge a new culture based on common goals and values gained from the country hosts. Culture is a fundamental force within any community. With SameDifference partnering with local hosts, communities will be able to harness this force to exert change in their perceptions of migrants. With food as a tool for integration, locals and migrants can foster a relationship that will be beneficial to both parties. Integration has the potential to create synergies and foster cultural fusion. It is through this sharing that relationships within and among communities are strengthened and developed, making our communities more vibrant and sustainable. By the end of the meal, each cultural ambassador will have got to know their hosts a little better. Some may even become friends for life!
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Süssmuth, Rita; and Werner Weidenfeld, ed. Managing Integration. Washington, DC: Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2005.
The information in this article does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission. Sole responsibility lieswith the author, and European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made on the information contained herein.