Editorial TMID: Helping others – The Malta Independent
Helping others was one of the main themes of President George Vella’s speech on Christmas Eve.
“We must put aside the attraction of material achievements and strive more towards the common good. Poverty exists, and in many different forms and degrees. There are those who are struggling themselves or have lost a family member due to destructive drug or alcohol addictions. Others are consumed by gambling. There are those for whom home means cruelty, beatings, and threats instead of warmth and happiness. There are children and young people broken by bullying, which takes away the serenity of childhood and then brings tension, fear, and loneliness. I really appreciate how at this time of year everyone feels more generous. As if hearts soften. But solidarity and empathy should not be just an empty December trend, and we forget them as we take down the Christmas decorations. We have to get used to showing them all year round,” he said.
Around Christmas and New Year, there is absolutely no doubt that the Maltese people express their generosity through various fundraisers to help those in need. This shows the big hearts that the Maltese people have.
What we need to do is to find ways to continue to help those in need throughout the year, and not just make an effort once a year.
Support for fundraising activities such as L’Istrina and Dar tal-Providenza are very important, and we must continue to support them year after year. But surely we can all do a little more during the year to help others.
There are many people who need help.
First of all there are several shelters around the country that could use our support to help them grow and offer more to those who need them. Some may even need volunteers.
Regarding those who suffer from loneliness or depression, we can offer our friendship, and our ability to listen. If we know people who are struggling financially, we can invite them to a meal, or help them in other ways.
As for our children, if you hear reports of your child bullying others, sit them down and talk to them. Explain to them why it is wrong.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, speak up and contact the authorities. No, the person is unlikely to change. If you have a child this makes the situation worse and for both of your reasons seek support. You are not alone. We, as a community, want to make sure that victims of domestic abuse feel safe and secure when they come forward, and we want to make sure that they have all the resources they need to not only come forward, but live a dignified life when they do this.
If you have a friend who suffers from an addiction, know that there are support systems in place around the country in the form of various organizations. Guide them to such organizations and show them how their actions can not only affect themselves, but others around them.
But not only the Maltese need help. Malta has become a multicultural country, but there are foreign workers who are living in poverty, who are not living in good conditions. Some of them are being taken advantage of by employers. The authorities need to identify which employers are doing this, and take action.
The lack of integration in the country may be partially to blame for this situation, and no, this is not only the fault of the foreign workers. Do we make an effort to welcome them? Do we avoid them? If the answer to the former is no and the latter yes…. Well then that is part of the problem.
Most of us can do more than we do to help others, and we should.