Eastern Regional Council Launches Tnax-il: A Free Cultural Book For Year 5 And 6 Students
The Eastern Regional Council is thrilled to announce the release of Tnax-il, a unique book that celebrates the rich heritage of the Eastern Region. Created as part of the 2024 Region of Culture initiatives, Tnax-il brings together the voices of 12 local authors, each telling stories inspired by the twelve localities that make up our region.
The book is being distributed free of charge to Year 5 and 6 students, aiming to inspire young readers and foster a deep connection to their cultural roots.
Tnax-il offers an engaging mix of stories, intriguing “Did You Know?” facts, beautiful illustrations and interactive games. With illustrations by Julian “Julinu” Mallia, the book brings each story to life with vivid artwork that captures the unique character of each locality. From tales of adventure and community to heartwarming stories of family and discovery, each story invites readers to explore the diverse traditions and landscapes of the Eastern Region. Artistic Director Daniel Cauchi and Editor Michael Spagnol have crafted this book with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each page captures the imagination.
“It is exciting to share Tnax-il with our community,” said Anthony Chircop, President of the Eastern Regional Council. “This book not only serves as a gateway to learning about our region’s unique heritage, but it also encourages our younger generation to explore and appreciate the value of storytelling, tradition and creativity.”
At the launch event, Prof. Michael Spagnol shared how the idea for the book Tnax-il originated. Daniel Cauchi approached him with a vision to create twelve stories by twelve different authors, each set in a distinct locality within the region. Each story highlights a monument, a local fruit or another symbol unique to its location, celebrating the unique character and heritage of the Eastern Region. David Muscat from the National Literacy Agency highlighted the value of literature tailored for children, stressing that books like Tnax-il spark lifelong engagement with reading.
Parliamentary Secretary, Dr. Alison Zerafa Civelli commended the initiative, connecting the book’s theme to the Eastern Region’s identity and vibrant cultural programming throughout the year. “Tnax-il beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the twelve localities, twelve authors and twelve months of cultural celebration. This initiative shows the power of storytelling to foster a deep sense of place and history among our up-and-coming generation.”
Tnax-il also emphasises accessibility and inclusivity. By scanning a QR code inside the book, readers can access video content in Maltese Sign Language with subtitles, allowing all students to experience these stories fully.
The launch of Tnax-il marks another highlight in the Eastern Region of Culture’s 2024 programme, which has featured innovative projects such as the lVANt touring stage and the Memorial Benches in Sliema.
Each of these initiatives aims to bring the region’s cultural identity to life and engage our community through art, storytelling and shared experiences.