“We are emphasising the importance of reading among our children through this initiative – The National Readathon, now in its 4th edition. Through this event we are encouraging more children to read more and better, an event with an altruistic and solidarity aspect,” said Education Minister Justyne Caruana.

She added that, “the more our children read the more they will be raising funds to buy equipment for children on the wide range of the autism spectrum so that they too can read, and this is when we are really talking about an education that is truly inclusive.”

The Readathon – which has a dual role to foster the love of reading in children, while helping their classmates with different abilities – is being held in 42 primary schools from the state, church and independent sectors in Malta and Gozo and will also see children collect money, which will go towards purchasing tailor-made, augmentative communication devices to enable other children to communicate and not fall behind in school.

Minister for Education Justyne Caruana, together with Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Chair of the Malta Trust Foundation, launched this year’s edition of the National Readathon at the National Literacy Agency’s premises in Hamrun.

It was explained that in view of the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, together with the MTF collaborating partners, the National Literacy Agency, the continuation of this project is through a virtual version of the National Readathon.

The first three of weeks of March will be dedicated to the National Readathon, whereby on alternate days, groups from year 1 to 6 will adopt the “Drop Everything and Read” concept on a national level, having state, church and independent schools on board to participate.

Year 1 to 6 classes will participate actively and creatively in a safe space sharing their favourite book or story, while supporting the initial aims and objectives of this initiative.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said, “reading opens up an exciting world for children and it is very important that we encourage our children to read. The beauty of the Readathon is that while it helps give children a peek into the adventures awaiting them in books, it also instills a spirit of solidarity to help those who are unable to read or communicate in traditional ways. The National Readathon aims to inspire our children to read more while nurturing in them a spirit of love and respect towards their peers.”

The first Readathon was launched in 2018, in collaboration with the National Literacy Agency, roping in primary schools all throughout Malta.

The event was also addressed by Prof Charles Mifsud, Chair of the National Literacy Agency and Mr Konrad Pulè, General Manager of the Malta Public Transport, sponsors of the event.

Photo: DOI/Kevin Abela