Ten local councils forming part of the Western Region will benefit from a scheme which aims to promote and raise awareness among children about the importance of reading.

During a news conference held on World Book Day 2024, it was said that this scheme will help to prepare interactive programmes where in each locality, in collaboration with some associations and schools, activities will be organised such as puppet shows, theatrical presentations, as well as meetings with some authors among other education initiatives with the goal of conveying a positive message about books and reading.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that this initiative will raise more awareness and knowledge among children about reading. She continued that reading should be a daily routine among children and that initiatives like this are important to foster more appreciation for books.

She remarked that the government will continue to support the regions and local councils so that they continue to take initiatives such as this.

Western Region president Sandro Azzopardi said that this initiative is aimed at strengthening the educational aspect among children. He continued that although there are already public libraries at the public’s disposal, the libraries will be strengthened with more recognition so that they will be used more.

The localities which will be participating in this scheme are Żebbuġ, Siġġiewi, Kirkop, Mqabba, Qrendi, Ħal Safi, Żurrieq, Rabat, Mdina and Dingli.