A community worker funded by the private sector will be flagging the specific social needs of Valletta residents, such as loneliness among the elderly or the affordability of after-school tuition.
This community worker, whose employment with the local council is being financed by the Alf Mizzi Foundation, will carry out a ‘needs analysis’ of the capital’s residents, mayor Alexiei Dingli said on Monday.
“This would help us understand whether, for example, we need to introduce after-school private lessons, which not everyone in Valletta affords.
“We could also look into loneliness issues among the elderly, and maybe introduce some initiative through which elderly people keep a look out for fellow elderly residents,” the mayor noted.
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Dr Dingli added that other initiatives which could stem from such an analysis could strengthen some of the residents' skills, making them more employable.
The community worker will also bring together various entities that organise events in the capital.
“Valletta hosts several events, organised by the government, church and private sectors, but there is not much cooperation between them.
“The community worker could enhance cooperation by helping them pool their resources through a Valletta Community Network.”
Addressing the media at the launch of the community worker initiative, Julian Sammut noted that the Alf Mizzi Foundation invested in some social solidarity project every year.
“Over the past years, Valletta residents have faced several social issues, especially when it comes to housing.
"The foundation would like to support Valletta residents to continue living within the capital, sustaining its soul.”
Commending the private sector initiative, Robert Cutajar, PN’s spokesman on local councils and the community, urged the government to consider including a social impact assessment in all localities as part of its councils’ reform.
Reacting, Silvio Parnis, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, said that through the local democratic process, everyone was free to submit their concerns, especially since this reform directly targeted residents.
Urging people to provide their feedback, he noted that one of the reform proposals was the introduction of a social worker in each region, who would be able to inform residents about the government's social support services.