Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1122280
OPINION 26 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 MAY 2019 I remember vividly, two years ago, during my very short electoral campaign for the 2017 general election: some- one questioned whether it was politically viable to use a pic- ture of me embracing a black girl. I shrugged off any idea of having to choose between what I strongly believe in and what someone suggested would lose me votes. Yes: I be- lieve that any politician or as- piring politician should send a clear message that everyone is equal and that there should be zero-tolerance to racism. Today I'm not going to pontificate about a case which horrified a whole nation, and is currently sub-judice. I want to shed light on a hero who, in her personal life, serves as a beacon of light to unify and fight this cause with pride. A few months ago I got to know this amazing lady from Birżebbuġa – Rosemary Stolk. In her free time she is teaching Maltese to the for- eign community in this tiny village in the south of Malta. Putting this into context, this village hosts a myriad of at least 51 different nationalities. This courageous woman, vol- untarily, twice a week, leaves the comfort of her house and is reaching out in a tangible way to the foreign commu- nity. When I asked whether she is receiving the necessary support, I was told that she is forking out everything from her own pocket. As a citizen I wanted to give my little share and support in this noble cause. Again, two years down the line I was questioned by someone whether I should really walk along this path. "Are you aware of the frag- mented approach in this tiny village when it comes to immigrants?" I was asked. But then again, as my husband rightly put it: "Do we believe in this cause? If yes, nothing else matters." I believe it is only a matter of what we strongly believe in, what we stand for and what bold directions we should take to fight prejudice. Another entity, Aġenzija tal- Litteriżmu, happily joined in by donating Maltese text- books. I cherish the warmth in Rosemary's classroom. Her adult students from Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom and Thailand attended her lecture after a long day at work. I could feel their genuine desire to learn. On my way out a Thai mother silently whis- pered "grazzi minn qalbi". Smiling, Stolk explained that it was the student's very first lecture. Until today, I didn't feel the need to promote publicly this tiny gesture from my end. But I am doing so now because I want to stand up to be counted and would love oth- ers to join. As the Prime Minister said last week, in one of his best speeches on integration, we should all own this project. I firmly believe that each and every citizen has an impor- tant role to play. Local clubs and NGOs have a very solid platform fromwhere to reach out and foster in a tangible way good values and opportu- nities. I augur to see in this coun- try the "Stolk effect" seeping through neighbouring vil- lages and beyond.I dream of a country where each and everyone of us is indeed equal. Standing up to be counted Any politician or aspiring politician should send a clear message that everyone is equal and that there should be zero-tolerance to racism Julia Farrugia Julia Farrugia is Parliamentary Secretary for reforms and citizenship Know that you've made a healthy investment Call us on 2090 8100 Timberland Securi es Investment plc. (incorporated in Malta with registered office at 171, Old Bakery Street, Valle a) is the issuer of the bonds in terms of a Prospectus dated 23rd November 2018, approved by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority and passported into Malta. The authorised distributor of the bonds, Timberland Invest Ltd (with business office at Aragon Business Centre, Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, STJ 3140) is regulated by the MFSA, under the Investment Services Act. If you invest in these bonds, you will not have access to your money before the maturity date. However, you may transfer or sell your bonds to third par es, in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus. The value of your investment may go up as well as down and you may lose some or all the amount that you invested. A copy of the prospectus is available free of charge, during normal business hours, from the business office of Timberland Invest Ltd or through: h ps://www. mberland-malta.com. 2 Bond issues yield for a 5 year period maturing in 2023 A bond with yield for a 10 year period maturing in 2028 Another bond with Timberland Invest Ltd is the appointed distributor of bonds issued in Malta by Timberland Securi es Investment plc. 3.75% 4.6% ß Minimum investment of €3,000 ß Investment in the bonds should be based on the full details of the Prospectus