Migration is talk of the town on One Radio’s Connect Africa

A new weekly radio programme on One Radio will host migrants and refugees, imparting information to Malta's newest residents about daily living and other issues of concern to this part of the island's society.

Connect Africa will be broadcast on One Radio, in a collaboration with the NGO Peace Lab, led by priest Dionysius Mintoff, who has dedicated 40 years of his life helping African migrants and asylum seekers have a more comfortable life in Malta, finding shelter, work and community.

"The aim of the weekly 30-minute programme is to open a window and better inform immigrants and asylum seekers living in Malta, and to connect them with their homelands, by this current affairs and music programme," presenter David Millner said.

Fr Mintoff, today 82 and still active in Peace Lab, says that research for the radio project was supported by the Xmas Fund of Italy, and the original plan was to set up a community radio station. "At present 50 immigrants live as a community at the Peace Lab centre, formerly the Second World War control HQ, where they can learn English, relax, worship and live like a large family.

"The mission of Peace Lab includes working against injustice, unfairness and prejudice for the asylum seekers starting life again in Malta," Mintoff said, who has assisted some 3,500 migrants throughout his life.

Presenter David Millner says that the cultural side will not be forgotten with African music and other features. David will be supported by co-presenter David Perry, and with publicity and projects by Barbara Elekes.

The first programme will be broadcast appropriately on World Refugee Day, another activity to commemorate this day, Wednesday 20 June at 8:30pm. After the European Football Championships the programme will move to it' regular 8:15pm slot commencing Wednesday 4 July on One Radio, 92.7 FM.

Internet streaming will be available on http://www.one.com.mt, truly connecting Malta with Africa.