The National Literacy Agency, in collaboration with Spiritual Development in Schools, is organising sessions of storytelling, creative writing and reflection in a programme entitled ‘With Reading and Writing I find a Beloved Space’ for children aged 8 to 10 years.
These sessions of animated reading in Maltese and English from the newly published book ‘Spazju għal Qalbi – Beloved Space’ by author Silvana Cardona will take place in various localities in Malta and Gozo.
These sessions are an excellent opportunity for children to train in reading and creative writing through imaginative and reflective activities which help children to connect with their inner self, express their innermost feelings and pray creatively.
Throughout the programme, children will be provided with resources in Maltese and English to help them express themselves.
About the Book
The book “MY PRECIOUS LIFE”, written by Silvana Cardona, is the result of a collaboration between the National Literacy Agency and Spiritual Development in Schools (SDS), and is published by BDL Publishing.
The book consists of a collection of short stories, each approximately 500 words long, written in a reflective style and exploring spiritual themes. Its main aim is to provide students in Middle and Secondary schools with stories that encourage them to reflect on life, discover deeper meaning in their experiences, and recognise that:
- Life is the greatest gift we have, and every life has a purpose and a mission.
- Every person has unique value and is precious.
- Every experience, whether joyful or challenging, can help us grow.
- We need to slow down and appreciate the moments of everyday life.
- We can discover God’s presence throughout our journey.
- We can come to know ourselves better and recognise what is truly important.
- Hope, courage, and gratitude help us live a fuller life.
Title of the Book
The title “My Precious Life” reminds us that life is the greatest gift we have. It highlights that every person has unique value and that every life deserves to be protected, appreciated, and lived to the fullest.
Stories in the book
The book contains original stories written in Maltese. These short reflective stories for young people were originally published in the magazine FLIMKIEN between 2016 and 2020.
Each story is connected to a particular month or experience throughout the year and follows the journeys of different young people and individuals through various situations in life. The stories explore everyday experiences as well as deeper moments that bring challenges, questions, and opportunities for growth.
From each story emerges a Prayer Space that invites readers to pause, reflect, and encounter God in the experiences they are living. In this way, the book shows that every place, every person, and every life experience can become a space where God meets us.
Why these Stories
These reflective stories were written to help young people recognise and appreciate how beautiful and precious their lives are. The book encourages them to slow down the pace of life and make space for moments of silence and reflection, so that, in stillness, they can become more aware of themselves, others, and God’s presence.
The collection explores different aspects of human life, from personal challenges to experiences of joy and happiness. It touches on themes such as identity, self-esteem, hope, change, relationships, courage, gratitude, forgiveness, friendship, injustice, purpose, and appreciation of creation.
Each story offers a unique insight into its characters’ experiences and invites readers to reflect on their own lives, discover their values, and seek ways to live more beautiful, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
Written with sensitivity and insight, MY PRECIOUS LIFE is a valuable resource for anyone seeking personal growth and spiritual development. At the same time, it provides readers with the opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions in a personal and meaningful way.
Creative Prayer Space
With each story, readers are invited to create their own space for reflection and prayer creatively and interactively. This experience helps them follow the characters’ journey and draw connections between the story’s message and their own personal journey.
Reflections for the Readers
After each story, readers will find a reflection activity that invites them to pause, think, and express what they are feeling and experiencing.
Through free writing in their personal journal, they have the opportunity to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, while making connections between the message of the story and their everyday lives.
QR Code
After each story, readers will find a QR Code that allows them to listen to the story being read aloud.
How to Use the QR Code
- Download a QR Reader on your mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
- Place your device in front of the QR Code.
- Scan the QR Code and wait a few moments.
- Listen to the story being read and follow the related activities.
The Blurb
“MY PRECIOUS LIFE” is a collection of stories created to help young people recognise and appreciate the most precious gift we have — life itself.
Through these stories, readers encounter different human experiences: personal struggles, joy, sadness, anger, worries, and deeper questions addressed to God. They open a space for reflection on who we are, what we value, and how we can live with greater hope, courage, and love.
The book encourages us to slow down the pace of life and find moments of silence where we can become aware of what we are experiencing and discover God’s presence throughout our journey.
Written with sensitivity and wisdom, MY PRECIOUS LIFE offers readers an opportunity to grow personally and spiritually and to enter into a deeper relationship with God — a God who loves, listens, heals, provides, and remains close to us at every moment of our lives.
