Guiding is Love: A Remarkable Encounter with Ms Connie Mallia
Last month, three members of MGG’s National Board had the privilege of visiting Ms Connie Mallia, a resident of an elderly home. Little did we know that this encounter would be an enlightening journey through the life of a remarkable woman who dedicated herself to the Malta Girl Guides (MGG). Ms Mallia’s love for Girlguiding and her selfless contributions serve as a testament to the transformative power of this Association.
Let us delve into her extraordinary story and discover the true essence of Guiding – love.
A Lifetime of Dedication:
Born on January 31st, 1928, Ms Connie Mallia has witnessed the evolution of Girlguiding in Malta first-hand. As one of the first members of the MGG, she joined as a Brownie with the Sliema Company and grew to become a Chief Commissioner – a position of great responsibility and honour.
Guiding and the Legacy of Mrs Denaro:
During our visit, Ms Mallia fondly reminisced about Ms Marie Denaro, the first Chief Commissioner of MGG. She spoke of Ms Denaro’s exceptional dedication, so profound that she would organise meetings in her own garden. As the wife of a soldier in the British army, Ms Denaro gathered valuable lessons from her husband and passed them on to the young Girl Guides under her care. The influence of Ms Denaro’s commitment and teachings resonated deeply with Ms Mallia and others who had the privilege of learning from her.
Girlguiding – Her Whole World:
During our conversation, Ms Mallia expressed overwhelming happiness as she spoke about Girlguiding being her whole world. She shared stories from her days as a leader, describing how she would walk on foot from her house to St Julians to deliver meetings to a single girl. It was her belief in that young girl’s potential as a future leader that compelled her to go the extra mile, quite literally.
Global Connections and Shared Goals:
One of the highlights of Ms Mallia’s Girlguiding journey was attending conferences and meeting fellow leaders and members from around the world. She emphasised the significance of these experiences, where individuals from diverse backgrounds united under a common goal. Through these connections, she discovered the immeasurable rewards of giving back to the world. Ms Mallia acknowledged the value of sharing Girlguiding’s positive impact with others, advocating that we spread the word wherever we go.
The Power of Love and Good Turns:
When asked what comes to mind when mentioning Girlguiding, Ms Mallia responded with some powerful words: good turn and love. To her, Girlguiding is synonymous with love – a love that transcends boundaries, empowers individuals, and fosters a sense of community. The acts of kindness and selflessness that Girlguiding promotes are the embodiment of love in action.
The Busy Life of a Girlguide:
As our visit came to an end, we bid farewell to Ms Mallia, as we had a National Board meeting to attend. In parting, she reminded us that all those involved in Girlguiding are always busy. The never-ending cycle of activities and meetings is a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of MGG. Yet, in the midst of their busyness, Girlguiding find fulfilment and purpose, knowing that they are making a difference in the lives of their members and the world around them.