Buk bilong Pikinini is proud to have Christine Anu as the charity's patron. Christine visited Papua New Guinea in March 2009 where she toured the Buk bilong Pikinini library at Port Moresby General Hospital, performed in the grounds of the Australian High Commision and assisted with fund raising efforts.

“Recently I was fortunate enough to be invited by  the Australian High Commission to take part in the 2009 Australia Week in Papua New Guinea.  The weeklong visit was an enriching experience for me as I was able to meet some wonderful people and embrace the rich cultural landscape Port Moresby had to offer. Prior to my visit, I was asked if I would consider supporting the Buk bilong Pikinini Charity, set up by Mrs Anne-Sophie Hermann, the wife of the Australian High Commissioner, his Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis and Mrs Anna Mukerjee.  After reading about Buk bilong Pikinini and later hearing about what they had already achieved, I felt it was important to lend my celebrity to bring much needed awareness to this worthy charity.  During my visit, I performed a fundraising concert in the grounds of the Australian High Commission to raise much needed funds and later visited the Port Moresby General Hospital, where the first Buk bilong Pikinini library was opened in April 2008.  While at the hospital I met many children suffering from tuberculosis, malnutrition and HIV.  Even though these vulnerable innocent faces were suffering and in need of much needed medical attention, it brought tears to my eyes when I saw their sad faces light up with smiles and laughter as they sang to music and played with toys that the library can share with them.  During my time speaking with the parents and the wonderful nurses who care for these children, I was informed that for the long-term patients the library now functions as a school-based environment that teaches basic literacy skills. Children should not be discriminated against and prevented from receiving some form of education because they are hospitalised.  Children should be encouraged to learn. Their education will be of benefit to themselves, their families and the children of tomorrow.

Since returning to Australia, the gorgeous Anne-Sophie asked if I would consider being the patron for the Buk bilong Pikinini Charity. I am proud to accept this honour and hope that my continued support will help this amazing charity open more libraries across Papua New Guinea to help occupy children’s time, provide them with education while hospitalised and stimulate their growing imagination through books, music and toys” - Christine Anu
 

Christine Anu official website and Myspace page

 www.christineanu.com.au

www.myspace.com/christineanu