Panama's November 14, 2025, with a view to bringing adolescents closer to the world of books and promoting the reader's habit from curiosity and reflection, the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) promotes the creation of the Youth Reading Club, a space especially designed for young people between the ages of 12 and 17, where they can share experiences and discover the many powers of reading.

The meeting had been guided by librarians trained with pedagogical resources to assist and motivate participants in this process.

Carlos Fong, a reader of the Cultural Rights and Citizenship Section of MiCultura, explained that this initiative responded to one of the fundamental missions of public libraries: "have reading circles or clubs for all age groups. With this club we seek to draw the attention of youth to have a real meeting with reading, beyond the obligation to have them read."

During the first sessions, participants will work with short stories, as an ideal tool to start readers processes. Later, the club will incorporate youth and other genres that promote dialogue, creativity and critical thought.

Fong emphasized that reading is a sociocultural practice with many aims: "We believe that reading is a right of all. That's why we want boys and girls to have a place where they can talk, share experiences and connect reading with the real problems of life."

On the impact they have been hoping to achieve, the promoter emphasized that "we do not seek great figures of assistance but have significant experiences. A reading club can have 14 people and be a success from the qualitative level, because its value lies with the human and community impact that it generates."

The next meeting will be held on Friday, December 12. interested parties can get more information by typing at cFong @ MiCultura.gob.pa or by contacting 6700-4496.