Thousands of primary school pupils across Malta and Gozo will receive age-appropriate books during the 2025-206 scholastic year as part of the "Books Are Children's Friends" initiative, led by the Ministry of Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation through the National Literacy Agency.

This initiative targets all primary school students, with the current cycle focusing on first year pupils. Each child is being given books in both Maltese and English to support early reading skills, encourage bilingualism and help children begin or expand their personal home libraries.

The scheme was highlighted during a visit by Minister for Education Clifton Grima to the Archbishop's Seminary Primary Library in Tal-Virtù', Rabat. During the visit, the minister distributed books to students and toured first-year classrooms. He was joined by Reading Ambassadors Carlos Farrugia, Ruth Frendo, Saviour Darmanin and Joe Grech, who read excerpts with the children to promote enthusiasm for stories and learning through reading.

"With this initiative we are hitting several targets. We are fostering a love of reading, helping our children build a library in their homes and also showing them how reading opens up new horizons that are valuable for their future," Minister Grima said.

Since its launch in December 2023, a following commitment outline in the Electoral Manifesto, the initiative has expanded significantly. To date, more than 27,000 children attending state, Church and independent schools from Year 1 to Year 6 have benefited, with over 108,000 books distributed nationwide.

The ministry said the continued rollout of the initiative underscores the importance of literacy in children's education, with the programme set to keep reaching Year 1 students throughout the coming scholastic year