Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the sheer power that literature holds.

Good writing can offer readers a window into past habits, insight into the author’s inner turmoil, as well as an opportunity to take a step back from the monotony of everyday life and get lost in a world of wonder.

And as small as Malta might be, the islands have consistently paved the way for some downright revolutionary writers, whose works are sure to be appreciated for many years to come.

In a bid to keep this cycle going, national youth agency Aġenzija Żgħażagħ is running two projects, aimed specifically towards young people – Chiasmus and Kjazmu.

Both projects hold the same aim at their core, that of encouraging youth to develop their writing skills and talents. The only difference between the two is that Chiasmus is focused on English writing and literature whilst Kjazmu is all about Maltese writing and literature.

Every year, successful applicants of either of these programmes are assigned a mentor who will help fuel their growth in the literary field. Under their mentors’ guidance, participants also get to write a series of new poems or short stories which are then published by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ.

Sounds cool, right?

Chiasmus and Kjazmu perfectly encapsulate everything that Aġenzija Żgħażagħ stands for. Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, the national youth agency remains as determined as ever to provide young people in Malta with the time and space to make friends, learn new skills, and develop their talents.

Through projects like Chiasmus and Kjazmu, therefore, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ gets up close and personal with Malta’s youth and helps them become active citizens at various levels of Maltese society.

Now, back to literature!

As the end of this year’s editions of Chiasmus and Kjazmu approaches, participants have brought together all that they’ve worked on this past year in a chapbook. Amongst these are Mill-Korsija ta’ Gismi; a collection of poetry and short stories by Matteo Pullicino, hoss hsejjes; a collection of short stories by Klara Vassallo, and Paper Butterflies; a short story collection by Francesca Monsigneur.

All this and more will be presented at one final Chiasmus / Kjazmu event on 18th November, wherein the participants will gather at Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s Ochre Hall to read out some of their work.

Think Chiasmus or Kjazmu would be something you could benefit from?

Good thing applications for the projects’ next editions are out this very month!

Here are some things to keep in mind before you go ahead and submit your application:

• Applicants must be between 16 and 25 years old
• Only individual applicants are accepted
• Chiasmus applicants must be well-versed in English
• Kjazmu applicants must be well-versed in Maltese
• Applicants for either project must be ready to submit two short stories (between 500 to 100 words each) or three poems (not more than 40 verses each) in the respective language

Any work submitted to Chiasmus / Kjazmu must be the applicant’s original work and must not have been shared, posted, or published (in digital or print format) prior to the application’s submission.

A team of three evaluators, appointed by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, will assess the applicants’ works and evaluate it according to the criteria determined by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ.

Successful applicants will each be provided with the support of a mentor for a one-year period who will help the young writers pen original short stories or poems in their chosen language.

But that’s not all! At the end of the project, successful applicants will receive a certificate and a commemorative trophy.

For more information about these projects or to submit you application, head over to Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s website.

Good luck!