National literacy strategy launched

The first phase of a national strategy to improve the levels of literacy in Malta was launched this afternoon by the Ministry of Education with the support of Bank of Valletta.

The first phase of the programme, 'Read with me', will focus on early literacy for children up to the age of three.

Speaking at the launch, Education minister Evarist Bartolo expressed his "deep concern" with the illiteracy levels of children in Malta.

"We recognise the importance of 'catching them young', and the crucial role of parents and caregivers in imbibing children in the early years with a love of books and reading," he said.

Bartolo said that the government was hoping that the first phase of the strategy will reach between 300 and 500 children and their parents.

"However, we hope that such programmes will have a ripple effect and bring about a culture change on a national basis."

Describing the early years of a child's development as the "most crucial", Bartolo said that a lack of literacy implementation for youngsters could never be regained.

Citing the fact that even students in their fifth form show illiterate tendencies at the Ordinary Level Examinations, Bartolo said that low levels of understanding in English and Maltese would also result in a difficulty in grasping other subjects like Mathematics.

Bartolo stressed that children acquiring good literal skills at a young age could have far-reaching effects on the economy.

He said, for instance, that Malta's competitors were giving much importance to literacy schemes and that Malta could not be left behind.

"When we speak about foreign investors, we need to keep in mind that these investors will only come if they know that the workforce in Malta is capable and literate," he said.