The Paulo Freire Institute in Żejtun was set up by the Maltese Jesuits to promote literacy and community development. The aim of the Paulo Freire Institute is to empower, and promote the self-development, self-confidence and the talents (including functional literacy) of each and every individual, especially the vulnerable in society. For this reason our Institute applies three interrelated approaches: community development, formal and non-formal education and community social work.

The following are the main activities presently carried out at the Institute:
Non-Formal Educational Activities for children & youths
Literacy Project for children and youths
Emotional Literacy for children
Literacy for Adults Programme
Parental skills programme
Social & Community Work
Counselling services
Dramatherapy
Hydrotherapy
Other miscellaneous formative activities