#noħlomlixidarba – a new book on the values of the European Union

The European Services Agency in Malta (SEM) and Europe Direct Valletta published a second publication on the values of the European Union. The book, #noħlomlixidarba, written by Clare Azzopardi and illustrated by Naomi Gatt, is aimed at students and young people.

At the launch of the book, the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela explained how the intention behind this book by SEM and Europe Direct Valletta, is to further raise awareness about the European Union, in an innovative way.

This book contains a number of short, fictional stories about a group of young people and their dreams. What’s so particular about this book is that it has managed to merge young people’s dreams with opportunities which the EU can offer.

To this end, Minister Abela said: “To continue on the theme of the Conference on the Future of Europe, it is a timely moment for SEM and Europe Direct Valletta to launch this book, as children and young people can be inspired by ideas about what future they want to see in the Europe we live in and how the European Union will help them realise their dreams.”

Additionally, in the book one will find customised QR Codes at the end of each story, which guides on opportunities and information that young people need; from information on the European Erasmus+ funding programme, to how to deal with all forms of discrimination.

At the launch of the book, SEM chief executive Mandy Falzon, said how the book, made of sustainable paper for environmental awareness, is intended to make young people aware that in the EU, young people find support to fulfill their dreams; both for themselves and for the general good of the society in which they live. Azzopardi, explained how young people have always inspired her to write, so this book is full of dreams, opportunities and beautiful qualities of young people.

In his conclusion, referring to some chapters from the book, Minister Abela, while urging students and young people to read it, said that they should learn that with rights there are also responsibilities; that all of us have an obligation to take action to be good citizens; to build a more democratic, fair, secure, equal, environmentally and climate-friendly Europe and above all a Europe that respects human dignity.

Three students from Mosta Secondary School, Maria Reġina College, Mariah Bonnici,

Ilona Schembri and Ailey Incorvaja, accompanied by teacher EliClare Mikkelsen, were also present for the launch. Classes of Years 9 and 10, led by the head of the school, Gaetano Bugeja, also joined the launch.

The book #noħlomlixidarba, which will be distributed in schools in Malta and Gozo, will also be available in public libraries. The digital version of the book will be accessible on the SEM website.