There are experiences that do not end when a visit comes to an end. They remain with us, stirring questions and changing the way we look at humanity.

My visit to the humanitarian centre of the Ukrainian Community in Malta was one such experience. I went to learn more about the social work being carried out, but I left with far more than an understanding of projects and initiatives. I left deeply moved, filled with admiration and reflecting on an experience that stayed with me long after the visit.

Within this community, I felt the sorrow of a people forced to face war, separation and uncertainty. Yet, alongside this suffering, I also felt hope, courage and the strength that emerges when people find a shoulder to lean on. Above all, I was struck by the love shared between people: a love expressed not merely through words, but through mutual support, time given generously to others and the kindness of those who refuse to let anyone face hardship alone.

When we hear about the war in Ukraine, our attention is often drawn to destruction, military developments and political decisions. Yet behind every news report are shattered lives, separated families and people who have suddenly had to leave behind everything they knew and loved.

There are homes that can no longer be reached, memories carried deep within the heart and the anxiety of those who do not know what tomorrow will bring. There are children forced to start again in unfamiliar surroundings, parents trying to give them a sense of security, and adults struggling to rebuild their lives while carrying the weight of everything they have left behind.

The suffering caused by war does not end when someone crosses a border. Its wounds can remain for years, even when a person is physically far from danger. That is why support must go beyond accommodation, employment and material resources. People also need to feel welcomed, understood and respected.

This is where community work takes on a special meaning. It helps people move beyond defining themselves solely through the suffering they have endured, allowing them to rediscover their abilities, preserve their identity and believe in the possibility of a better future.

The Foundation for the Ukrainian Community in Malta (FUCM), a voluntary organisation established in 2023, works to promote Ukrainian culture and heritage, strengthen dialogue between communities and facilitate the integration of Ukrainians into Maltese society.

According to information provided by the organisation, its volunteers have organised more than 150 cultural, educational and community initiatives since 2022. This demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond responding to immediate needs. It recognises the individual as a whole, acknowledging the importance of cultural identity, education, human relationships and active participation in society.

At its best, social work is not simply about providing assistance to those experiencing difficulties. It is about creating the conditions in which people can regain confidence, recognise their potential and live with dignity and greater independence.

One of the most important aspects of the community's work is the practical support offered to vulnerable members of the Ukrainian community in Malta.

The humanitarian centre provides a point of support for people who may be facing financial difficulties, uncertainty or the challenge of rebuilding their lives in a country away from home. In such circumstances, access to essential food and household supplies can make a real difference.

The centre is currently collecting donations of flour, milk, sugar, tuna and other canned foods, cooking oil, grains, rice, eggs, cheese, biscuits, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruit. Household essentials, including laundry detergent and washing-up liquid, are also needed.

This is an important reminder that solidarity does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with a bag of groceries, a packet of rice, a carton of milk or a bottle of washing-up liquid. What matters is the human intention behind the contribution and the understanding that even a modest donation can help someone preserve their dignity.

I encourage those who are able to support this initiative to consider contributing some of the items requested. Businesses, local organisations, community groups and individuals can all play a part. Every contribution, however small, can help sustain this important work.

What touched me most during the visit was the way members of the community support one another. Within this unity, I sensed a profound human value: the ability to recognise another person's suffering and respond not with indifference, but with meaningful action.

When people who understand loss, uncertainty or the challenge of starting over come together to support one another, a solidarity emerges that goes beyond simple assistance. It creates bonds built on empathy, trust and mutual respect.

This is the power of solidarity: it may not change every circumstance, but it can change the way a person experiences it. It can ease loneliness, restore courage and remind someone who is suffering that they still belong to a community that recognises their worth.

Integration does not mean abandoning one's identity to adapt to someone else's. It means building bridges between different cultures, creating equal opportunities for participation and recognising the contribution each person can make.

A mature society is not measured solely by its economic progress, but also by how it treats those in vulnerable circumstances. Its true worth is reflected in its ability to recognise the dignity of every human being and prevent differences from becoming barriers to inclusion.

Love is not merely a beautiful emotion or a word we use to express sympathy. True love demands commitment. It asks us to step beyond our comfort zones, give our time and skills, listen to those whose voices are not always heard, and recognise the humanity of the person standing before us.

I left this visit with a sense of sorrow, but not despair. Sorrow in the face of suffering reminds us that we still have the capacity to care about others; hope emerges when that sensitivity is transformed into action.

Ivan Bartolo is Shadow Minister for Social Policy, Family and Social Housing