Malta has a multicultural population that includes many refugees and asylum seekers (people who have had to flee their countries and have come to another country, like Malta, for safety). Since Malta is such a small country, it has to make use of all available resources to help refugees. For example, refugees can access help from the government, nonprofits, private institutions and the many churches on the island. However, what is important is figuring out what these refugees need and how all the different forms of resources can best be organized and distributed to make a difference and make sure resources get to the right people.
Since being in Malta, I have continually kept learning about the refugee community here in all its diversity. One need within this community is support in adjusting to living in Malta and feeling included after leaving their home countries. Two factors that can help refugees adjust and feel a sense of belonging are creating their own communities and learning a language widely spoken in their new country. Since English is an official language in Malta (as well as being widely spoken in other areas), learning English can help refugees better navigate daily life here.
