Buk bilong Pikinini launches a Nutrition Education Program with Trukai
Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) and Trukai have today launched a Nutrition Education program to assist children with becoming “nutritionally literate” and learn to eat for well-being and learning.
To celebrate Literacy Week 2024, BbP has today launched two books titled “Tru & Kai unlock the secret powers of superfood” (picture book) and the “Papua New Guinea Nutrition Guide and Activity Book for Teachers, Students and Families” (program text book). David Mead, former Kumuls Captain and PNG Health and Education Advocate through the Sir Brian Bell Foundation read the superhero picture book to children at BbP’s UPNG Library Learning Centre.
Excited students and BbP, Trukai teams and David Mead.
The event included a super food lunch prepared by Trukai’s Chef Julz and an obstacle course for the children, who were all dressed in Tru and Kai superhero outfits. David Mead and Ryan Pini demonstrated powerlifting and rugby throws to the children together with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation Support Squad.
David Mead reads to students the Tru & Kai story book.
The nutrition program resources have been developed specifically for PNG children and the PNG context. They seek to focus on the importance of eating locally produced and grown fruits, vegetables, protein and grains found at markets and gardens to ensure children are eating a balanced diet for well-being and learning. Picture book Superhero characters Tru and Kai are seeking to spend their powers helping friends, teachers and members of the community to improve their health and well-being and inspire children to eat for their own super powers.
BbP has 17 years’ experience in working directly with parents and children in communities across the country delivering its Early Childhood Education program. During this time, the organisation has observed a substantial change in what the children are eating and drinking. Leanne Resson, BbP Executive Officer said: “We are now seeing very young children consuming mainly ultra-processed foods and drinks, which due to the lack of nutrients and fibre - leave students hungry and unable to focus in class by mid-morning. We need to feed children appropriate foods for well-being and learning.”
BbP Founder and Vice-Chair, Anne-Sophie Hermann said: “We thank Trukai for their partnership to implement this very important program. We believe that a comprehensive education program is now needed for both children and parents – in order to guide families towards a diet, which will fill the children’s bodies with goodness rather than depleting them and depriving them of their opportunities for brain development, growth and well-being.
David Mead (L) and Ryan Pini (R) show casing their sporting skills to children.
David Mead showing children some ball skills
The suggested foods in the guide are affordable and readily for parents. We refer to the foods as ‘everyday’ foods (fruits, vegetables, fish, rice, eggs) and ‘sometimes’ foods (lollies, cookies, chips, soda. - foods that contain a lot of salt, sugar, oils and a long list of artificial ingredients).
Chef Julz Henao with students in their mini chef apron and hats.
This will help students understand and distinguish between the healthy and unhealthy and how to gradually reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods - and focus on adding more fibre-rich foods like fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds to get their super powers to fuel their dreams and aspirations.”
Trukai Industries General Manager for Sales and Marketing and Supply Chain, Andrew Grace said: “Our partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini in creating this nutrition education program signifies our commitment and investment in education, good health, nutrition and the wellbeing of Papua New Guineans and its future generation. This partnership not only signifies our investments in communities as a good corporate citizen, but it also underpins our values as a manufacturer of a high quality staple product, that is rice, and a major contributor towards food security in PNG”.
Students wearing their red and green Tru & Kai super hero capes.
BbP thanks Trukai, the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, David Mead, Brian Bell Group, CPL/CPL Foundation, the AHC JF and Deputy Joanne Laundes, Ilimo/9 Mile Farm, SVS Mart, Sanitarium, Moore printing, BSP, Colgate-Palmolive, Zucci Mode, the Sourcing Company, Panamex, Zenag eggs, Supreme group, Waterfront food world, Dolly RD Tuna, Theodist and of course our Literacy Week sponsor ExxonMobil PNG for your support for our nutrition program launch and activities.
Buk bilong Pikinini’s published books are available for purchase from Theodist and directly from Buk bilong Pikinini’s office and webshop: https://bukbilongpikinini.charity/
L-R: Anne-Sophie Hermann BbP Founder and Vice Chair, Mr Steven Tandale FAS to Minister for NDOE, Andrew Grace GM for Trukai, Joanne Loundes Deputy High Commissioner, Belinda Gurra of Exxon Mobil PNG, Leanne Resson BbP Executive Officer and David Mead SBBF Ambasssador.
