Translated as ‘books for children,’ Buk Bilong Pikinini (BbP) has been a beacon of hope for communities and schools across Papua New Guinea since its establishment in 2007. The organization’s mission is clear: to improve literacy rates and foster a love for reading and learning among children. Over the past decade, BbP has made significant strides by opening 18 library sites and employing trained teacher-librarians who implement comprehensive Early Childhood Development and Literacy Programs. Additionally, an Awareness Program tackles vital health and societal issues, further enriching the lives of the most vulnerable children in PNG.

For the most vulnerable children in PNG, right now there is little chance of accessing high-quality early childhood before school. In PNG, there are few functioning libraries outside the school system and most children do not have access to books at all. This means Papua New Guinea has some of the lowest literacy rates in the Pacific with an over-representation of illiteracy in disadvantaged households. The most recent census found only half of school-age children go to school and the literacy rate in PNG is well under the 50% officially claimed – in some areas as low as 5%. That’s where Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP), comes in, as they focus on early childhood learning as a key to literacy.

Peopleconnexion + BbP

Since 2018, Peopleconnexion have been grateful to continue our active involvement in supporting BbP’s mission by spearheading book donation drives in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Our annual initiative involves collecting books to be shipped to Port Moresby, contributing to the establishment and maintenance of libraries across the region. This collaborative effort aims to provide children in PNG with access to educational resources, unlocking doors to knowledge, empowering minds, and shaping brighter futures.

At Peopleconnexion, this partnership is so much more than a donation drive.  For us, the ability to read opens doors to knowledge, empowers minds, and shapes futures. It’s not just about deciphering words on a page; it’s about igniting curiosity, fostering creativity and building bridges to opportunities and ultimately, careers.

This is what inspired our pathway’s purpose. One book is one pathway, if not more pathways to a more fulfilling life, career and purpose. In our first year, we aimed for 1,000 books. The next, 5,000. The year after that, 6000. The following year, 10,000.

This year, we endeavored to collect 12,500 books, but we weren’t ambitious enough to match the incredible generosity received by our clients, candidates and communities whom we invite to take part. Through active campaigning and involvement by many of our community, we received more than 17,000 books. To us, that’s more than 17,000 minds we have empowered and ultimately, futures we have shaped.

While our Port Moresby office has a large involvement in the collection of the donations once they arrive on the shores of PNG, each year, our PNG consultants engage in our pathways drive even further. Another pillar of our pathways is through career coaching and mentoring. This year, our PNG office presented to over 700 PNG professionals, empowering them with the tools and skills of CV presentation and writing, interview tips and general mindset habits when in the jobs market. By engaging with young professionals and students in this space, it is our hope that Armed with enhanced communication skills, a polished personal brand, and a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment process, these young individuals are now better equipped to embark on their career journeys with confidence and purpose. You can read more about our career coaching pathways success here.

If you would like to find out more about our PX Pathways initiative, visit our About Us website page or you can download our IMPACT brochure here.