Stand-up comedy Fundraiser for Spark15 at The Black Pearl This Saturday
This Saturday 30 September, a stand up comedy night will be held at The Black Pearl along the Ta’ Xbiex seafront. The event doubles as a fundraiser for Spark15, a youth organisation led by refugees.
Spark15 was formed by a young group of refugees who knew each other from MCAST. After the group spoke out about issues affecting refugee youths at a seminar organised by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) Malta, the organisation was made official in March of 2017 at the President’s Palace. Since then, Spark15 has been collaborating with organisations such as UNHCR and Integra Foundation to direct asylum seekers and refugees towards the right organisations, thereby ensuring that they aren’t deprived of their basic rights in view of local and international law. To that end, they stage peaceful demonstrations and commemorations to bring attention to injustices faced by immigrants, as well as direct them to the right support, legal and information services.
But, the organisation’s efforts don’t stop there. Spark15 has several programmes and activities in place to help young refugees integrate into society, rather than simply be allowed to exist in it. They have been running a Higher Education Programme since 2016 with the University of Malta, which provides free English-language exam prep classes, mentoring and financial assistance for students to acquire their IELTS language certification. They also regularly organise get-togethers and talks to discuss immigrant issues, attract supporters and promote the cause.
What’s more, the organisation has its very own football team called Spark FC. It was founded in 2021 and has since amassed over 60 players, all of them being refugee youth. Not only do they derive fulfilment and joy from training football, but they also compete and socialise with other local football teams at tournaments. However, grounds rental and equipment aren’t free, that’s why all proceeds earned from this comedy night will be donated to Spark15.
Organised in collaboration with Two Black Cats Comedy and Clueless Comedy Collective Malta, the fundraiser promises a night of laughs with a lineup of hilarious comedians. The event will be hosted by the charismatic Lovin Malta journalist, Kofi Browne, and headlined by Steve Hili, a UK-based comedian who became the first Maltese act to ever do a solo show in London’s West End. Local comedy stars Niti Dhingra, Ali Storm, and Nefertiti Ayman will also be taking the stage.
The show begins at 9, but doors will be open by 8:30. Tickets are priced €15 and can be bought online.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a comedy show at a unique restaurant, while simultaneously giving to charity. Most of these kids don’t even have a decent pair of football shoes – every purchase helps a young refugee pursue their passion.
For those who want to support Spark15 but can’t make it on Saturday, you can reach out to the organisation to show support for future projects (contact information can be found here).
