Imagine this: a political meeting not filled with heated debates or power plays, but with the soft hum of sewing machines and the rustle of fabric. Welcome to ‘Politics with Heart’, a unique initiative where politics meets community service, right here in Malta.

Stitching Together Change: The Birth of ‘Politics with Heart’

In the heart of Birkirkara, at the Kunsill Lokali, an unusual sight unfolds every Tuesday evening. Politicians from various parties put aside their differences, rolling up their sleeves to help sew reusable sanitary pads for those in need. This is ‘Politics with Heart’, a brainchild of MP Owen Bonnici, born out of a desire to create a tangible impact on society.

“I wanted to show that politics isn’t just about debating in Parliament,” Bonnici explains. “It’s about rolling up our sleeves and making a difference in our communities.”

More Than Just Sewing: A Community Effort

What started as a small initiative has grown into a community effort. Local volunteers, including students and retirees, join the politicians, turning the political meeting room into a makeshift sewing studio. They’re not just sewing pads; they’re sewing dignity, comfort, and hope.

Dr. Justine Scerri, a local GP, volunteers her medical expertise to ensure the pads are safe and comfortable. “It’s about empowering women and girls,” she says. “No one should have to miss school or work because they can’t afford or access proper menstrual hygiene.”

From Birkirkara to Beyond: The Ripple Effect

Word has spread, and now ‘Politics with Heart’ is inspiring similar initiatives across Malta. In Rabat, the local council has started a similar project, while in Żurrieq, they’re focusing on making reusable masks. Each initiative may differ, but the heart behind it remains the same: politics that serves, not just debates.

Bonnici believes this is just the beginning. “We’re not trying to solve all Malta’s problems in one meeting,” he says. “But we’re showing that politics can be about more than words. It can be about action, about service, about heart.”

So, the next time you hear about a political meeting in Malta, don’t assume it’s just another debate. It could be a room full of people, politicians and volunteers alike, stitching together change, one seam at a time.