Personal and social development in a small island community : presenting the Maltese democratic model

Abstract

Personal and Social Development (PSDJ in Malta developed in a unique way. It was not imposed as a policy, but gained ground as people started understanding its positive effects. It developed through a bottom-up approach, where an experience in two church schools eventually led to PSD being taken up in state and other schools. Another unique characteristic of PSD in Malta 1s that its methodology and approach are based on a psycho-social rather than the academicftheoretical approach. Its development and implementation is in itself a journey of democracy m action. This paper is meant to celebrate this development and to present the elements which make the Maltese PSD model fundamentally respectful of democracy, as is also reflected in the PSD teacher training model. PSD focuses on empowerment towards fruitful and effective participation in the community. This is the essence of democracy - living freely and responsibly, respecting others.