10,000 new books are to be distributed among 100 classrooms in schools around Malta and Gozo. This, as part of the Enriching Classroom Libraries programme being organised by the National Literacy Agency in Collaboration with The Ministry of Education.

The project has already kicked off in 23 child care centres where story-telling and other activities are taking place. The project targets the whole process – encouraging students to read, assisting them with reading, and ensuring a proper follow-up.

“Not reading is similar to being stuck in a dark room. Each book opens a new door of possibilities,” said Dr Corazon Mizzi during a press conference this morning. Dr Mizzi is a member of the project team.

Minister Evarist Bartolo noted that across the globe, 57 million children do not attend schools, and 350 million who finished their compulsory schooling are still unable to read and write properly.