A quarter of a million euros has been raised by the Malta Trust Foundation to help more than 120 visually-impaired or children on the autism spectrum who are non–verbal, since the start of the “e3: empower, encourage and educate” project.
Through the initiative of a National Readathon primary schoolchildren contributed €15,000. The remaining funds were raised thanks to the endeavours of the Foundation’s corporate partner, Re/Max and Friends and other members of the business community.
The third edition of The National Readathon, is being launched today to mark the UN’s International Day of Education.
The Malta Trust Foundation Chair, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said: “The National Readathon is geared to ensure that all children and young persons can have an equal chance to be empowered, encouraged, and educated.
“It is a very ambitious child participation project, which showcases the amazing collaborative approach which is taking place.”
The Malta Trust Foundation is collaborating with the National Literacy Agency, together with the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA), Autism Parents’ Association, Association of Speech and Language Pathologists, the NGO Advice, the Department of Education together with members of the business community through their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“This is not a one-off event, but are an integral part of various sustainable projects facilitated by the Malta Trust Foundation. It is the ethos of the Malta Trust Foundation, to ensure all children and young people enjoy a dignified life,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.
Minister for Education and Employment Owen Bonnici said that “as a Government, we want to ensure that we provide the best possible opportunities for our students. This national readathon is a great initiative to foster a love towards reading amongst students, especially since it is a great way to improve their knowledge, strengthen their vocabulary and increase concentration, whilst enhancing their educative experience through different forms of literature.”
Bonnici also made reference to the fact that, today also happens to be the international day of education and stated that reading is definitely an important aspect to further one’s education. “We are committed to further strengthen the education sector for the benefit of future generations,” he concluded.
The National Readathon has a dual purpose: to instil a love for reading, while at the same time extend a sense of solidarity towards those struggling to keep up.
Mr David Muscat, CEO of the National Literacy Agency said that “The principal aim of the Readathon is to foster a greater love for reading in our children. It is an admirable quality to help your peers, and through this initiative children will be lending a helping hand while reading more of their favourite books.”