Published on November 4, 2020 Writen by Erin O'Connor
Throughout October the Peopleconnexion Team have been collecting book donations in support of Buk bilong Pikinini, an independent organisation working to increase literacy rates in PNG.
In 1974 there were 34 public libraries in Port Moresby and in 2016 there were less than five. Thus the seed was sown and Buk bilong Pikinini was born out of a desperate need and desire to avail the entire community and it’s people to the joys of reading and becoming literate citizens.
Buk bilong Pikinini(Tok Pisin for?Children’s books?) has a focus and objective of increasing literacy rates, particularly and most importantly children’s literacy, through the introduction of sustainable, self contained libraries opened in identified areas of need throughout Papua New Guinea. The first Buk bilong Pikinini library opened at Port Moresby General Hospital in April 2008, providing new and pre-loved books, educational games and activities, and a selection of craft materials to sick and underprivileged children. There are full time Teacher-librarians employed at each library Buk bilong Pikinini continues to grow whilst maintaining 17 libraries operating throughout PNG.
It was great to see ABC Brisbane put the spotlight on this amazing organisation and the work they are doing to help children in PNG. We also wanted to share some of the life changing work BbP are doing.
Buk bilong Pikinini Stories
These stories come from their Facebook Page, we suggest you follow them to see more inspiring stories.
Lleyton Tagobe is 6 years old and is enrolled at the Habare Library Learning Centre, Hela Province.
In the region, villages are often burnt to the ground as a result of tribal fighting. This includes schools and is a great detriment to the children’s education. Lleyton comes from a family of three and has a twin sister who also attends the library. Before attending the literacy library, Lleyton was not able to speak and understand English. In this last progressive assessment, Lleyton has done very well in his test scoring a mark of 50/50. This means that Lleyton can now read and write in English!
Walking for 2-3 hours every day, through villages with tribal fighting is something these mothers at the remote village of Fugwa do to ensure their children get a chance of becoming literate.
The Library Learning Centre lies in Hela Province at the borders of Western and Central Province right in the very centre of Papua New Guinea. Education opportunities are so scarce that most people are illiterate and have never ventured far from their villages. They deeply value the Library Learning Centre established by the Oil Search Foundation in partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini. Buk bilong Pikinini have been deeply touched by the commitment of the parents to their children’s education despite the dangers they face on a daily basis and will continue the support children in urban, rural and remote communities alike.
We are welcoming donations for gently used books from people in Brisbane, or if you would like to find out more about how you can help BbP check out their website.
Published on November 4, 2020 Writen by Erin O'Connor
