The local council

• Community


  A group of people that have the same qualities of a society but on a smaller scale. Members of the community communicate with each other, work together and they have their own system for certain things in their locality.
• Local community


  A group of people that live together in the same place or in the same neighbourhood. There are various local communities, however, they all have different characteristics.
• Groups in the local community


  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • The elderly
  • Persons with a disability
• Children


  • Considered as vulnerable as they need someone to take care of them and educate them. The government allocates funds for their education, health, allowances and other services.
• Adolescents


  • Pass through a particular time in their life where they enjoy going out, are still going to school, are preparing for work and are transforming into an adult. They are given certain responsibilities like voting and getting a driving license.
• The elderly


  • Also a vulnerable group that needs extra help. They can remain active in society through various activities. Many are physically weak and live in old people's homes.
• Persons with a disability

  • Can find it difficult to live an easy life because society does not always help them. Lack of accessibility and stigma are issues they face.
• Social institutions in the local community

  • The Family
  • Education
  • Religion
  • Health
• The Family


  One of the most important institutions that provides values, learning, skills and norms for the individual.
• Education


  Obligatory in Malta from ages 6-16. Teaches not just subjects but also socialisation, skills, discipline, values, norms, behaviour, preparation for future career, talents and active citizenship.
• Religion


  Was very important in Malta, with the Church previously taking decisions for the village and organising activities. Religion is still evident in the local community.
• Health


  Involves physical, mental and social health. The local community has various entities like pharmacies, clinics and hospitals to help people with their health.
• Local council


  Very important for the local community as it oversees the village or town and the people in them. The public can participate in the local council.
• Local council emblem


  • The Mosta emblem has a red cross that represents religion, a circle that represents the Rotunda church and a star that represent St. Mary which is the patron saint of the town.
• Changes after the Second World War:
• Changes in the family

  • The traditional extended family has changed, with the nuclear family becoming more common.
• Changes in education


  • Primary school became obligatory in 1946, followed by secondary school in 1970. There were also developments like the opening of the university and trade schools.
• Changes in religion


  • Religion is not as much of a priority as before, though the Church has tried to update itself and reach more people.
• Changes in health


  • St. Luke's hospital opened as a general hospital, followed by new polyclinics and Mater Dei hospital with more advanced facilities.
• Changes in the local council

  • Local councils were created in 1993 and have been given more power over their villages/towns. The voting age for local council elections has been lowered from 18 to 16.