New Maltese Scheme to Foster More Love Towards Reading Amongst Children

Apr 19 2024

In a bid to nurture a passion for reading among children, ten local councils forming part of the Western Region are set to benefit from an innovative scheme. Unveiled during a press conference commemorating World Book Day 2024, the initiative seeks to promote literacy and underscore the significance of reading in childhood development.

Under this scheme, interactive programs will be devised in collaboration with local associations and primary schools across each locality. These initiatives will encompass a diverse range of activities, including puppet shows, forum theatre performances, author meetings, and other educational endeavors, all aimed at instilling a positive attitude towards books.

Alison Zerafa Civelli, the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the pivotal role of reading in expanding children’s horizons. She underscored the importance of integrating reading into the daily routines of young minds, affirming the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster a love for literature.

“We all recognize the transformative power of reading, not only in enhancing literary skills but also in broadening children’s understanding of the world around them. As a government, we stand firm in our resolve to empower regions and local councils in spearheading initiatives of this nature,” remarked Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.

President Sandro Azzopardi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the educational objectives underpinning the initiative. Despite the presence of public libraries, Azzopardi emphasized the need to augment existing resources with enhanced programming to encourage greater utilization among the populace.

The selected localities set to benefit from this scheme include Žebbuġ, Siġġiewi, Kirkop, Immaqba, Qrendi, Safi, Żurrieq, Rabat, Mdina, and Had-Dingli. This concerted effort underscores the region’s commitment to nurturing a generation of avid readers and lifelong learners, laying the foundation for a brighter future.

#MaltaDaily

Taylor Swift Releases Surprise Double Album Tortured Poets Department

Apr 19 2024

Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Society,” dropped as a surprise double album, catching fans off guard with its 31 tracks spanning over two hours. The announcement came in the early hours of Friday, April 19th, causing a stir on Spotify and other platforms.

The album, which Swift teased back in February when she won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for “Midnights,” features collaborations with Post Malone and Florence + The Machine on tracks like “Fortnight” and “Florida!!!.” While fans expected reflections on her reported breakup with British actor Joe Alwyn and her rumored romance with NFL star Travis Kelce, many were surprised to find themes seemingly aimed at her ex, The 1975’s Matty Healy.

Swift shared the news on social media, explaining that she had so much material from the past two years of “tortured poetry” that she wanted to share it all, hence the unexpected second installment of “The Anthology.” This revelation shifted the ownership of the album’s narrative from Swift to her listeners.

#MaltaDaily

Two Men Injured In Separate Accidents In Ħal Tarxien

Apr 19 2024

Two accidents which both took place in Ħal Tarxien saw two men getting injured and needing hospitalisation.

One accident took place at around 0730hrs, when police were informed that their assistance was needed in Triq San Franġisk, Ħal Tarxien.

Police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations found that a crash had taken place between a Sym motorcycle, driven by a 34 year old Ħal Qormi resident, and a Toyota Ist driven by a 35 year old woman resident of Ħal Tarxien.

The motorcyclist was given preliminary assistance and transported to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Police were informed of another accident at around 0915hrs, involving a 74 year old man resident of Ħal Tarxien who had been struck by a vehicle in Triq Sant’ Anna in the same locality.

Preliminary investigations showed that the vehicle, a Toyota Hi Ace, was being driven by a 53 year old resident of the same locality as well.

A medical team gave preliminary assistance and transported the man to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Police investigations are still ongoing for both cases.

#MaltaDaily

OHSA Records 20 Workplace Fatalities in Both 2022 and 2023

Apr 19 2024

Workplace safety is a paramount concern for organizations worldwide, yet recent data reveals concerning trends in workplace fatalities. Analyzing statistics from 2022 and 2023 sheds light on the patterns and factors contributing to these tragic incidents.

According to the data, enterprises with 50 to 249 employees experienced the highest number of fatalities, highlighting the need for robust safety measures across all business sizes. Surprisingly, enterprises with 250 to 499 employees reported no fatalities, suggesting potential variations in safety protocols or environments.

Head injuries emerged as the leading cause of death, accounting for over 90% of all fatalities. This emphasizes the critical importance of head protection gear and preventive measures to mitigate such risks.

A deeper dive into the types of injuries reveals that concussions and internal injuries were prevalent, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety training and awareness programs to address these specific risks.

The construction sector emerged as the most high-risk industry, with 55% of all fatalities occurring within its confines. This sector demands heightened vigilance and targeted safety initiatives to safeguard workers from the inherent hazards associated with construction activities.

Another noteworthy finding is that a significant majority (65.0%) of victims held elementary occupations, highlighting the vulnerability of certain job roles and the necessity for tailored safety interventions catering to different occupational categories.

Examining the incidence rate over the past two years reveals fluctuations, with rates standing at 5.3 and 1.7, respectively, in 2022 and 2023. While the decrease in incidence rate is promising, it also signals the need for continuous monitoring and improvement of safety protocols to sustain this positive trajectory.

These insights underscore the imperative for organizations to prioritize workplace safety through proactive measures, including robust training programs, stringent adherence to safety regulations, and regular safety audits. By fostering a culture of safety and investing in preventive strategies, employers can effectively mitigate risks and protect their most valuable asset – their workforce.

#MaltaDaily