Starting school in a new country can be challenging, particularly when a child does not speak English or Maltese. In Malta’s government schools, multilingual support is available to help foreign families overcome language barriers, understand school procedures and communicate with teachers.
What many international families may not realise is that this assistance is provided through the International Learners Directorate (ILD), which offers practical guidance to help migrant children and their parents settle into school life.
Community Liaison Workers: Who Are They and How Can They Help?
The Community Liaison Team operates through the Migrant Learners’ Unit and helps international families navigate Malta’s education system.
Community Liaison Workers (CLWs) come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, allowing them to communicate with families who may struggle with English or Maltese.
Their role goes beyond translation. They help parents understand school notices and procedures, communicate with teachers, participate in meetings and address misunderstandings that may arise from language or cultural differences.
For example, a parent who cannot confidently explain a concern about their child’s education or understand information provided by the school can request assistance from the team.
The aim is to make communication between schools and international families easier, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent parents from taking an active role in their children’s education.
Multilingual Support: Assistance in Your Own Language
The Community Liaison Team provides multilingual assistance to help foreign families communicate with Malta’s government schools. According to the International Learners Directorate, the languages supported include Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Russian, Serbian and Urdu.
Parents who require assistance in these or other languages can contact the Migrant Learners’ Unit, indicating their preferred language and the nature of their enquiry. The team can advise on the support available and how to access it.
Useful contacts:
- Migrant Learners’ Unit: mlu.meyr@gov.mt
- International Learners Directorate: ild.mes@gov.mt
- Telephone: +356 2598 1594 / +356 2598 2712
Parents do not necessarily have to wait for their child’s school to arrange assistance. They can contact the Migrant Learners’ Unit directly to explain their situation and ask what support is available. Whether they need help understanding a school document, preparing for a meeting with teachers or communicating an important concern, the first step is to describe their needs and preferred language. The team can then advise on the appropriate assistance and how it can be arranged.
What If a Child Speaks Neither English Nor Maltese?
In addition to helping parents communicate with schools, the Migrant Learners’ Unit provides an Induction Programme for newly arrived children who need support with English or Maltese.
The programme generally lasts one scholastic year and focuses on developing the language skills children need to participate in mainstream education.
Alongside language learning, pupils continue studying subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Art and Music. Their progress is assessed throughout the programme to determine when they are ready to join mainstream classes.
Children who already speak English but have limited Maltese may also receive additional language support while attending regular lessons.
Where to Find More Information
Families who need guidance about school integration, language assistance or the Induction Programme can contact the International Learners Directorate directly or speak with their child’s school administration. The Directorate is located at 86, Mile End Road, Ħamrun, HMR 1716, Malta.
For parents unfamiliar with Malta’s education system, knowing where to turn for assistance can make a real difference. Whether they need help understanding school communications, discussing their child’s progress or overcoming language barriers, the Community Liaison Team provides a valuable link between foreign families and government schools.
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