Aġenzija Żgħażagħ today launched two schemes intended for young writers to publish their works in the Maltese language: ‘Il-Konkors ta’ Letteratura għaż-Żgħażagħ’, in collaboration with the National Book Council, as well as ‘ASKing Youth’, an ERASMUS+ programme with EU funds. These schemes will lead to the protection of Malta’s traditions and heritage, in this case the Maltese Language.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti stressed the importance of similar schemes aimed particularly at young people. “It is very important that we encourage new writers, particularly young people, to increase our Maltese literature. Thus, such schemes give space and help those young writers who are hesitant in pursuing this career in literature due to various problems they encounter, especially financial ones,” stated the parliamentary secretary.

CEO of the National Book Council Mark Camilleri also spoke and said: “We truly believe in ‘Il-Konkors ta’ Letteratura għaż-Żgħażagħ’ as we fully believe in literature for young people and its benefits.” He added that similar collaborations are important as they lead to the launch of such initiatives.

Senior Manager of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ Jason Zammit spoke on the ‘ASKing Youth’ project that Aġenzija Żgħażagħ is launching together with two European partners – the University of Salerno and MISSS, in Slovenia. “Through this project, our agency continues to offer spaces where young people who love literature can continue to flourish in their creative writing as 30 writers from three different countries will be able to write about their youth experience. Youth researchers will analyse these writings and bring out the competencies that youth workers need to carry out so as to become more professional in their work.”

Anyone wishing to apply for these schemes can visit youth.gov.mt.