Bank of Valletta has renewed its support for the 'Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me' programme of the National Literacy Agency. The agreement was signed by Mario Mallia, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta and David Muscat, Chief Executive Officer, National Literacy Agency, in the presence of Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment.
The Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me programme promotes shared reading for pleasure experiences for very young children and their parents. These are held in public and school libraries and community centres. It promotes also parental education as it provides a model for parents to continue the shared reading sessions at home.
Professor Charles Mifsud spoke about the importance of this programme. ''There is nothing more important than providing young children with basic literacy skills which set them on the right educational path. Whatever happens later on in their education depends very much on children having these necessary foundations. Despite the introduction of digital technology in our schools the role of printed books in the development of children is vital. ''
Mr Muscat provided an overview of the work of the National Literacy Agency during the past 12 months. "The Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me' programme organises one hour sessions once a week in Maltese and English in fifty centres in Malta and Gozo. The response from parents has been very encouraging. So far about 13,000 young children and 14,000 parents have been involved in the programme."
Mr Mallia congratulated the National Literacy Agency for its achievements over the past year."At Bank of Valletta, we are very pleased to collaborate with the Agency on this project, which in a practical way seeks to increase levels of literacy among our children. To instil a love of books from such a tender age is one of the best investments we can make in our children."
He explained also how Bank of Valletta percieves itself as an active corporate citizen within the Maltese community. The 'community' approach adopted by this programme in a bid to improve levels of literacy fits perfectly with the vision promoted by the bank's Community Programme.
Minister Bartolo praised the National Literacy Agency for the various initiatives to promote literacy and the love of reading. He thanked also the Bank of Valletta for its continuous support to make this programme possible. "In order to reach the targets we have set in the National Literacy Strategy we are doing our utmost to provide rich opportunities for our children and young people in oracy, reading and writing.
"This is being achieved through various programmes which promote reading for pleasure. In the last two years we have placed thousands of attractive and high-appeal books in our schools. We recognise the important role of parents in this endeavour and the contribution of community stakeholders".
Further information about the 'Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me' programme: facebook page 'Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me'.