Reading marathon marks 10th edition amid concerns over literacy
The tenth edition of the National Reading Marathon was launched on Thursday at St Joachim Primary School in Marsascala, bringing together students from eight schools under the theme “Surrounded by Stories”. Education Minister Byron Camilleri said reading should become a lifelong habit, while former president Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca highlighted its role in fostering respect, empathy and inclusion. The initiative, launched in 2018 by the National Literacy Agency and the President’s Trust, comes amid concerns over declining literacy levels among Maltese students. Recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results showed that 15-year-olds in Malta scored 415 points in reading, 30 fewer than in 2022 and below the OECD average. Camilleri said almost 40,000 books had been added to public library resources over the past year. More than 700,000 books were borrowed from public libraries last year, with children and young people accounting for most loans. Malta and Gozo have almost 60 public libraries. (Times of Malta)
Employers warn on productivity stagnation as Malta’s economy overheats
Malta’s economic growth is relying heavily on an expanding workforce, while productivity is showing signs of stagnation, Malta Employers’ Director-General Kevin Borg warned during a discussion on Budget 2027 on RTK 103’s Attwalità. Borg said productivity was essential for businesses to offer competitive wages without undermining their financial sustainability. If salaries rise faster than workers’ output, he warned, companies could face pressure that puts both jobs and business operations at risk. He cited sectors such as restaurants and transport, where labour shortages can push employers to raise wages without a corresponding increase in productivity or services. Borg argued that the Budget should look beyond immediate needs and prioritise investment to strengthen long-term competitiveness. The discussion also covered the cost of living, population growth and pressure on public services. Borg stressed that Malta needed to address the sustainability of its economic model, improve productivity and reduce waste in energy subsidies while maintaining support for households and businesses that depend on them. (Newsbook)
Malta seeks EU budget that delivers tangible benefits for citizens
Malta wants the European Union’s next budget to support national priorities and translate European investment into tangible improvements in citizens’ quality of life. The issue was discussed during a meeting at Castille on Thursday between Prime Minister Robert Abela, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, and Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin. According to the Office of the Prime Minister, talks focused on how the EU’s new budget could help deliver Malta’s priorities, improve living standards and create opportunities for people to develop their talents. Access to culture within communities was also highlighted. Malta’s position centres on ensuring that EU funding produces practical benefits rather than remaining a matter of budget allocations alone. The negotiations over the bloc’s next long-term financial framework will shape the resources available to member states for investment and development. For Malta, the challenge will be to secure funding that supports its priorities while delivering measurable benefits for citizens and communities. (TVM News)
