Youth Literature Competition highlights creativity and Maltese-language writing among young people

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti addressed the award ceremony of the Youth Literature Competition, held at the Central Public Library. This initiative, organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the National Book Council, has been running since 2014 and supports the publication of Maltese-language novels written specifically for young people, with the aim of strengthening a culture of reading and creative expression among younger generations.

In his address, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised that true innovation does not begin only in laboratories, but in the imagination of those who choose to envision the world as it could be. He described the submitted works as clear examples of social innovation, explaining that through writing, young people are creating new ways to understand human emotions, address contemporary challenges, and build a future in which everyone feels heard. He added that investment in such initiatives is an investment in the country’s most valuable resource — the intelligence and creativity of its young people.

The winner of the 2025 edition of the Youth Literature Competition was Lon Kirkop, with the manuscript Clone, which was selected on the basis of its narrative development, originality, language and literary quality. Four manuscripts were submitted for this edition following a call that opened in January and closed in September. The jury was composed of Rita Saliba, Noel Tanti and Wayne Farrugia.

The Parliamentary Secretary also noted that when young people write in Maltese, they demonstrate that the national language is a modern and living tool capable of carrying the aspirations of new generations. He encouraged young writers to continue expressing their ideas, stating that Malta needs their vision in order to grow as a society.

Addresses were also delivered during the ceremony by the Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Miriam Teuma, and the Chairperson of the National Book Council, Mark Camilleri.

Miriam Teuma explained that the initiative reflects the National Youth Policy by promoting participation, inclusion and critical thinking through creativity. She underlined the important role literature plays in the personal development of young people and in the building of active and informed citizenship.

The event also featured a panel discussion addressing themes related to writing for young people, including literary style, sensitive topics, reading habits among youth, and the role of Maltese-language books. The panel was composed of Trevor Żahra, David Aloisio, Josianne Block and Maria C. Borg, Youth Work Manager within Aġenzija Żgħażagħ.

The Youth Literature Competition continues to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to providing spaces and opportunities that strengthen creativity, the Maltese language and cultural expression, while encouraging high-quality writing that reflects the experiences of young people aged between 13 and 18.