The China Cultural Centre in Malta in collaboration with the philanthropic website of Life Tree Books (www.lifetreebooks.org.cn) is publishing free access to 9 colourfully illustrated children's books. The aim of this project is to help children have a better understanding of COVID-19 and how to protect themselves against contracting the virus.

According to UNESCO, almost three quarters of the world's schoolchildren were impacted due to the closure of educational institutions in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19. Barred from schools and not allowed to meet friends as freely as before, many young children around the world have a lot of questions about this change in their lives. To date, 200 volunteers have translated this set of books into 13 languages including French, Russian and Italian. It continues to be a great source of answers and consolation to children of different nationalities.

The China Cultural Centre in Malta, commonly abbreviated to the CCC, is holding an open call to Maltese people who would be interested in volunteering to translate the books from English to Maltese. Their skills and ability would benefit a good cause and contribute to the fight against the virus by providing children with science-based knowledge through vibrant picture books. We also encourage schools, libraries or anyone who wishes to share these books with children to do so. The CCC and Life Tree Books hope that these books will cultivate children's interest in reading and also serve as a bridge of international understanding and friendship. To be a part of this project, kindly send an email to [email protected].