BbP celebrates 12-year partnership with Nasfund

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) is this year celebrating its 15th anniversary having established more than 25 Library Learning Centres with a free Early Childhood Education program, a school library re-establishment program, teacher training program, publishing program and digital skills program all designed to help increase literacy rates in Papua New Guinea. Nasfund is one of BbP’s long-term foundational Platinum partners, having generously supported the charity since 2010 with office space.

The partnership started with a one-room office at Nasfund’s Boroko premises. When Nasfund moved to Harbourside, BbP was invited to come along and has since then also occupied office space downtown. When BbP outgrew that space, the next step up was “the Factory” at Konedobu, which is a large office with a generous carpark and for which BbP now contributes a small amount towards the rent.

Having had access to sponsored office space, has been a vital part of BbP’s ability to grow from being a small grassroots organization to a charity employing nearly 70 staff members across the country.

BbP Founder and Chairwomanperson, said: “When we received the first office space from Nasfund in 2010, it was also time for the organization to move from being based on volunteers to employing full-time staff. It was so motivational for BbP to be welcomed by the Nasfund team and to be able to grow at a rapid pace to reach thousands of children every day with our programs. We very much have Nasfund to thank for our success and are grateful for the generous on-going support.”

In order to acknowledge the long-term support and also sign a new 3-year lease contract for the Factory, children and BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson, invited Mr. Judah Waffi, Nasfund Head of Special Projects to come to its Tatana Library Learning Centre for a special event.

Nasfund CEO, Ian Tarrutia, said:

“As a founding sponsor, I am pleased to see the work of Buk Bilong Pikini grow to the organization it is today and making a positive impact on the lives of our children at grass roots level. This is where it matters the most for our future generation. Buk Bilong Pikinini have done a tremendous job since its inception and I am pleased we are doing our bit behind the scenes with our support of office space’”.

Nasfund Chairwomanperson, Tamzin Wardley, said: “…Our partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini is one of joy.  It is not often that you can assist an organisation and see both immediate results and the long-term impact.  Literacy is a gift for life and we are very proud of our ongoing association with BbP.”

BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson, said: “We are grateful to Nasfund for providing us with much needed office space as this allows us to continue to develop our programs as we expand our reach to more communities across the country. As the teaching resources and programs are developed internally, and with the growth of the organization, the need for a secure space is vital”.