Following last Summer's highly successful Summer reading campaign, the second edition has been launched. Children and teenagers are encouraged to keep on reading for pleasure during the summer in order to sustain the abilities and skills they acquired throughout the school year.

The Minister for Education, Evarist Bartolo has challenged all students to read at least five books this summer. Students have been asked to record the book titles on bookmarks. Books and book vouchers will be awarded to a number of students.

Research shows that:

Students who read over the summer do better in school.

Students who do not read over the summer demonstrate up to two months of academic loss.

Students who read for fun outperform those who do not.

Students read more when they can choose their own books.

Reading at least 5 books over the summer can prevent academic loss.

Summer reading loss is cumulative. By the end of Primary, children who do not read over the summer are two years behind the other children in academic achievement.

The National Literacy Agency of the Ministry for Education and Employment has launched the campaign 'Aqra fis-Sajf 2016' to promote reading for pleasure. For this campaign to be a success, children require access to books. The following initiatives are being implemented:

1. Weekly reading sessions, in Maltese and English, are being held at Skolasajf centres of the Foundation for Educational Services by animators that have been trained by the National Literacy Agency.

2. The National Literacy Agency is running the literacy programme 'Aqra Mieghi/Read with Me' in 60 localities, and 'Seher L-Istejjer' in 20 localities across Malta and Gozo.

3. The libraries at Gozo College Boy's Secondary School and Victoria Secondary School, Victoria Gozo, are offering their services on Wednesday's to students, until the 9th of September.

4. Malta Libraries has extended the days and opening hours of public libraries in 12 localities.

5. Students who require support in reading are attending Klabbsajf, and following a guided reading programme. These sessions are being held in 13 localities where the Nwar programme of the National Literacy Agency is offered.

6. Reading Ambassadors are visiting a number of Skolasajf centres, run by the Foundation for Educational Services, to promote reading through story-telling sessions.

The campaign is organised by The National Literacy Agency, with the collaboration of the Foundation for Educational Services, Malta Libraries, the Department of Student Services and the Directorates of Education of the Ministry for Education and Employment.

Further information about the campaign, including guidelines for parents, caregivers, relatives and educators, and suggested reading lists may be obtained from the Facebook page: 'Aqra fis-Sajf'.

Permalink: Summer reading campaign for children and teenagers