1 March 2021 willingness

Moving to a new country is always a daunting task, even more so when you are relocating with kids! This blog aims to provide some key resources that will help families relocating to Malta to make their transition a bit smoother!

The blog will contain school contact details, places of interest, local weather information, pet friendly beaches, essential contact numbers and more!

Schools

In Malta, there are state schools which are free of charge for students. The parents would have to buy essentials, books and uniforms, however there is no school fee. There is also an option for church or private schools. The latter two require donations or fees to the school.

Below are some useful links related to local schools:

Here is the main education portal for Malta:

Independent (non-state) & church schools details:

If your child is not of school-age, there are also many child care centers in Malta, including a free child care scheme for working parents. There is also the option to have your kids taken care of in your own home by professionally trained and vetted sitters, tailored to your schedule and family needs.

Post-secondary and Tertiary education systems include:

Choosing a school is truly up to your family’s unique needs and preferences. All schools provide support and education for children of different cultures and language backgrounds.

Mental and Physical Health

Health is of course, a very important aspect when moving to a new country;

In Malta, we have a public healthcare system which is free of charge for local residents, however there may be fees for foreigners depending on which country you are coming form so it is always recommended to take your ID card if a hospital visit is required; Malta’s main national Hospital is Mater Dei Hospital , however there are also private hospitals across the island.

The following link will provide information on private insurance and healthcare providers: https://maltaguides.co/life/health-insurance/#more-823

Due to the current pandemic or other reasons, should you require an online medical consultation you can also request one through the following link: https://tabib.mt/

Part of physical health is also taking care of our bodies prior to illnesses, including being active Sport Malta is dedicated to helping inftants, kids and adults stay active and provides many after school and summer programmes, including parent & child options: https://www.sportmalta.org.mt/

In Malta, support related to mental health is offered in many different ways and can be catered to in different languages depending on the institution visited.

Weather

With kids, it’s nice to know what to expect from a country’s weather forecast! Summers can get quite hot, from June to September ranging from 25 degrees Celsius to about 38 degrees on the hottest of days.

Autumn is a nice time, although it can come with quite some rain and wind at times. Winter months are short and can get to about 5 degrees Celsius in the evenings on some occasions. However, Maltese homes lack central heating so indoors it can feel colder than outside!

Spring is a beautiful time and sunny weather starts as early as the beginning of March, or even February on some years.

Time to Relax; Nature, beaches and local culture!

Although Malta is a small island, there is a lot to do! Walks in the countryside, both on Malta and on our sister island Gozo, is a must. Below are some unique places to visit and relax in nature.

Beaches are endless, and Gozo also has beautiful diving sites, especially one known as the Blue Hole in Dwejra: https://www.maltauncovered.com/gozo-island/best-beaches/

The following site is also the perfect companion in Summer months as it recommends daily bays depending on the weather conditions and provides photos and directions to all bays in Malta, Gozo and Comino: https://whichbeach.com.mt/ ; this website also provides very accurate weather representation and jelly fish ridden bays in summer: https://www.malteseislandsweather.com/

Malta is rich in culture and history; https://heritagemalta.org/ is the official website for local museums and cultural heritage sites.

COVID-19

Finally, if you are reading this during a time when we are still battling the pandemic, it is important to keep up to date with any restrictions that may be going on in the country. As it stands in the present (March 2021); schools are currently open, with some options to work/study online from home as well; restaurants can stay open till midnight, however bars are closed; public groups should reach a maximum of 10 people only; masks or visors are required in all public areas as fines may be given if this law is not respected.

For any COVID related queries or reports it is important to call 111

Other emergency contact numbers include:

•    Emergency: 112
•    Ambulance: 196
•    Police: +356 2122 4001-7,  +356 2122 1111
•    Traffic Accident: +356 2132 0202
•    A.F.M. Helicopter Rescue: +356 2124 4371,+356 2182 4212
•    A.F.M. Patrol Boat Rescue: +356 2123 8797, +356 2122 5040
•    Fire Brigade: 112
•    Hospital Gozo +356 2156 1600
•    National Hospital Malta Mater Dei: +356 2545 0000
•    St. James Hospital Malta: +356 2133 5235
•    St. James Hospital Gozo: +356 2156 4781
•    Overseas Operator:  1152
•    Passport Office – Gozo: +356 2156 0770
•    Passport Office – Malta: +356 2122 2286

We hope this short blog has helped in providing some insight into what the island has to offer and to make the transition to our community a bit smoother! While moving is stressful, remember that there are always people ready to be of help and support, wherever you go.

Michaela Pace is a Psychology graduate from the University of Malta. She has worked with children and adolescents within the social sector and currently works as a Triage Officer and Volunteer Manager within Willingness Team, while pursuing a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy.