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

  • Pakistan
  • World

Pakistan, US vow to strengthen, diversify bilateral ties

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to further strengthen and expand bilateral relations in…

8 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Sindh CM threatens to quit govt over canal project

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah threatened to quit the government if consensus isn't reached…

8 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Bilawal re-elected as PPP chairman

Bilalwal Bhutto Zardari has been re-elected as Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party, according to…

8 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Finmin sees IT, mineral sectors as ‘game changer’ for economy

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday said that the government would ensure that the benefits…

8 hours ago
  • World

US exempts tech imports in tariff step back

The Trump administration has exempted a raft of consumer electronics from its punishing import tariffs…

8 hours ago
  • Pakistan
  • Sports

PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators thrash Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs

In another one-sided encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, Quetta Gladiators thrashed Peshawar…

8 hours ago