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‘More Than Just A Colleague But A Friend’: Eritrean Refugee Turned Kitchen Porter Praised By Valletta Restaurant

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A lot has been said about the plight of migrants to Malta and it is undoubtedly one of the most polarising national issues. But meanwhile, let us not forget that these are people with stories, lives and, when given the chance, success. 

Taking the time to profile each of their staff, iconic Valletta restaurant Rubino praised Ibrahim, their Eritrean, former refugee turned kitchen porter and all-things-sugar enthusiast. 

“Ibra is a hard worker and ready to take on any challenge,” Rubino wrote on Facebook. “Perhaps shaped by having to take a life-changing decision to leave a war-torn country, cross the Mediterranean Sea in a small rubber dinghy, not knowing how to swim, to seek a better life elsewhere.”

The 32-year-old Ibrahim, known as Ibra, made the dangerous cross by boat almost a decade ago. Now, he works alongside Rubino’s staff for the last three years.

“Ibra is a man of many talents,” Rubino’s chef Edward Diacono told Lovin Malta. “He’s a kitchen porter, but he’s also great with sweets and eager to learn.”

In fact, Ibra often shadows Diacono in the kitchen for sugary creations and has learnt to prepare some of Rubino’s classic desserts.

“If needed during service he will always help out. He’s a very humble person and not only a colleague of mine, but a friend.”

“As part of the small team at Rubino, Ibra has played his part in the achievements made over the years. Thank you, Ibra,” the eatery said. 

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Sam is a journalist, artist and writer based in Malta. Send her pictures of hands or need-to-know stories on politics or art on [email protected].

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