During a typical 'Read with Me' session at the Public Library in Floriana on Saturday morning, a series of big books and a CD with tunes sung by children were launched. Mr David Muscat CEO National Literacy, Ms Joyce Tabone Manager at Bank of Valletta and Ms Cheryl Falzon CEO Public Libraries launched the extension of the Programme, in the presence of Mr Gaetano Bugeja Director of the Curriculum.

The Read with Me programme promotes shared reading among very young children and their parents. Launched two years ago by the Ministry for Education and Bank of Valletta, the National Literacy Agency has opened over 50 centres across Malta and Gozo, and organises free reading sessions in both Maltese and English.

Speaking about the new initiative, Mr David Muscat said, "This is an important milestone in our venture, as now, through these highly attractive big books, we are able to reach out to all children in their first scholastic years across all public schools in Malta and Gozo." These books which are in Maltese, are intended to introduce children to the Maltese alphabet using images of fun things constructed in play dough, something which is very familiar to children in this age group. Regarding the CD, Mr Muscat explained that this is another innovative initiative undertaken by the Agency. "This CD includes very catchy songs in Maltese, which all relate to reading and the beauty of books and libraries. Our main goal here is to reinforce the joy inherent in reading among children listening and enjoying these songs." He concluded his intervention by thanking Bank of Valletta for their ongoing support.

Joyce Tabone congratulated the National Literacy Agency for its achievements. "It gives us great satisfaction to see this Programme grow at such a fast pace. Education holds a very key role in our Community Programme, and this initiative addresses the very foundation of a holistic education," she said. "Instilling a love of books from such a tender age is one of the best investments we can make in our children. 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," she concluded.

Further information about the 'Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me' programme:  facebook page 'Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me'.