A fantastic boost to learning in Vabukori village
March 1 will see the opening of yet another Motu Koitabu village Buk bilong Pikinini Library Learning Centre (LLC). The first was opened in Pari village and more centres are yet to come as a result of a public-private partnership between Steamships Ltd., National Capital District Commission, Motu Koita Assembly and Buk bilong Pikinini.
Steamships Ltd. is a Platinum foundational partner of Buk bilong Pikinini, and has assisted with the establishment of LLCs since 2009, including in Lae and Goroka. The current commitment with the MKA and the NCD represents a K2 million investment over the next five years.
The Motu Koitabu villages are in great need of educational programs to prepare young children for school. The Vabukori village LLC is housed within the Vabukori Women’s Development Association Centre, which is built on land provided by village leaders and will provide a much-needed boost to the children’s education. More than 60 - 5-year-old children have already enrolled in the Early Childhood program and more will be expected to attend the After-School Literacy support program.
Naomi Kedea, President of the Vabukori Women’s Development Association Centre, said: “Teach the children very young, while their minds are fresh and can absorb everything. So when they grow up, they become good citizens. Whether professionals, community leaders or whatever gift and talents instilled in them by God.”
Steamships will be sponsoring the operations, which includes delivery of BbPs highly efficient Early Childhood Literacy Development program, internally trained Teacher-Librarians, books and educational resources and materials.
The official opening ceremony will include a ribbon cutting by Mia Bray, representing Steamships, and a welcome to the children who have been enrolled at the LLC.
David Toua, General Manager – Corporate Affairs, Steamships Ltd., said: “This is a partnership that Steamships is very proud of as it contributes directly to supporting early childhood literacy and learning directly to the communities that we operate and that historically been Steamships recruiting grounds. Part of the success of our business has been investing in our people and our communities. Buk bilong Pikinini objectives closely align with our core values of development and of always learning and improving.”
Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Founder and Chairperson said:
“As we are celebrating our 15 years of operations this year – such an important milestone - we are honored to have the opportunity to continue to reach more children in communities across the country together with our amazing partners. Thanks to the support from companies such as our Platinum foundational sponsor Steamships Ltd. As well as the VWDA, NCDC and the MKA we are able to have a transformative impact on the lives of the thousands of children in our programs, ensuring that they are given the opportunity to achieve literacy and be able to contribute to the communities in which they live.”
Leanne Resson, BbP Executive Officer said: “We are grateful for the support from Steamships Ltd., NCDC, VWDA, and the MKA and are looking forward to assisting the children enrolled at The Vabukori Library Learning Centre with a comprehensive Early Childhood Education program, giving them the best educational foundation skills and school readiness.”
