The Italian government is giving teens 500 euros on their 18th birthday to spend on books

Author: AFP

In a move designed to remind young people that culture can enrich one’s life and bring people together, Italian citizens are to get a …500 ‘culture bonus’ on their 18th birthday.

The initiative launches on September 15, and the bonus can be spent on books, concerts tickets, theatre tickets, cinema tickets, museum visits and trips to national parks.

Some 575,000 teenagers are expected to benefit from the scheme, and though it will cost the Italian government 290 million euros, parliamentary undersecretary Tommaso Nannicini believes it is money well spent.

“The initiative sends a clear message to youngsters, reminding them that they belong to a community which welcomes them once they come of age,” he told Corriere.

“It also reminds them how important cultural consumption is, both for enriching yourself as a person and strengthening the fabric of our society.”

Eighteen-year-olds will be able to claim the fund through an app, downloading vouchers to their phones that can be used at online and physical stores.

The Italian government is planning a similar bonus for 2017, which will grant teachers 500 euros to spend on their professional development.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • World

Trump stalks global climate talks as COP29 draws near

The prospect of Donald Trump returning as president is hanging over crucial UN-sponsored climate negotiations,…

43 seconds ago
  • World

Strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai since 1949 shuts down megacity

Tens of millions of people in Shanghai and across China's densely populated east coast hunkered…

57 seconds ago
  • World

Vietnam puts typhoon losses at $1.6 billion

Typhoon Yagi caused $1.6 billion in economic losses in Vietnam, state media said Monday, as…

1 min ago
  • Pakistan

Nawaz miffed at govt’s strategy on constitutional tweaks

nawazPakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz has expressed displeasure with the strategy adopted by…

7 mins ago
  • Pakistan

IHC seeks govt’s clarification on Imran’s plea against possible military trial

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday once again sought clarification from the government over…

8 mins ago
  • Pakistan

ECP sets PTI intra-party poll case for hearing after SC rebuke

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has scheduled a hearing on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)…

8 mins ago