The National Literacy Agency recently celebrated the conclusion of the fifteenth cycle of the Footballers Read and Write Programme, an initiative designed to spark a love for literacy through the lens of sport. During a ceremony held at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali, participants were presented with certificates to mark their successful completion of the program, which has been running since April 2017.
Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima attended the event and praised the project for its ability to engage students using their existing passions. He highlighted that the program serves as an ideal bridge between physical activity and academic development, allowing children to increase their knowledge while doing something they truly enjoy. The Minister emphasized that a healthy balance between sports and reading is essential for a child's growth.
The program is specifically tailored for Year 4 and Year 5 students in state primary schools who, while proficient in reading, do not typically list it as a favorite hobby. Offered in both Maltese and English, the initiative consists of ten sessions where literacy promoters and sports leaders work together to blend storytelling with football drills. This approach aligns with the National Literacy Agency's philosophy that children learn more effectively when they are genuinely engaged and having fun.
The graduation event brought together approximately ninety children from eight different primary schools. Beyond the certificate ceremony, the students were given a tour of the National Stadium and the Football Museum, followed by a tournament at the Centenary Stadium. To encourage their continued progress, every participant was gifted a small football and a book.
The Footballers Read and Write Programme is one of several educational initiatives managed by the National Literacy Agency and is supported by the Malta Football Association and SportMalta. By turning the football pitch into a classroom, the project continues to prove that scoring on the field and scoring in the library go hand in hand.