Education Minister Evarist Bartolo has challenged children to read at least five books this summer, part of a new campaign to encourage reading for pleasure.

Students taking up the challenge were asked to record the book titles on specifically prepared bookmarks.

The reading campaign, Aqra fis-Sajf (Read in Summer), is organised by the National Literacy Agency and aims to ensure children keep reading for pleasure even during their holidays to sustain the abilities and skills acquired throughout the school year. The Education Ministry flagged research showing that students who did not read during the summer holidays suffered up to two months of academic loss and, by the end of primary school, would be two years behind other children in academic achievement.

As part of the campaign, weekly reading sessions in Maltese and English are being held at Skolasajf centres by trained animators, and reading ambassadors are visiting a number of centres to promote reading through storytelling.

Students who require help in reading are attending guided reading programmes at Klabbsajf.

The National Literacy Agency is also running the literacy programme Aqra Miegħi (Read with Me) in 50 localities and Seħer l-Istejjer (Enchanting Stories) in 40 localities.

Malta Libraries has increased the days and opening hours of public libraries in 22 localities, and the libraries of a number of secondary schools will be offering services to students once each week.