Buk bilong Pikinini launches a reader with Grand Papua Hotel and Steamships

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today launched a reader entitled ‘When I Grow Up I want to be a hotelier’ with role model Dorothy Morea and mini professional Zaia Hane Solien.

Children from Buk bilong Pikinini’s Vabukori village Library Learning Centre travelled to the Grand Papua Hotel to launch the reader with their role model. They got a tour of the hotel to see what is available to the guests and also learn what happens behind the scenes. After the reading launch, the children engaged in fun table setting activity to learn some new skills.

“When I Grow Up, I want to be a Hotelier” is a level 3 Buk bilong Pikinini Reader, which showcases hotel professionals and their different roles, which all contribute to make the stay a memorable for the guests. The reader also discusses tourism, PNG culture and what tourists might like to see when visiting the country.

“Literacy is the foundation of endless opportunities, empowering the next generation to reach their full potential. Steamships Limited and the Grand Papua Hotel are proud to support Buk Bilong Pikinini's When I Grow Up reader series, which not only fosters a love for reading but also showcases the employment opportunities within the hospitality industry in Papua New Guinea.” Said Steamships Managing Director, Chris Daniells.

Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Vice-Chair and Founder said: “We are grateful to Steamships and the Grand Papua Hotel for their amazing support to create this exciting reader for the children. We are looking forward to seeing many more children gaining an interest in pursuing a hotel career and proudly showcasing the best PNG has to offer.”

The WIGU series, now comprising 25 books, offers children a glimpse into a wide variety of careers they can aspire to pursue. Each book in the series helps students understand different professions, themes, and subjects, with ample visual clues and activities designed to aid in the learning process. These books, favoured by teachers and students alike, portray careers that are both essential and accessible within Papua New Guinea.

For many children, these books provide a valuable opportunity to learn about professions that they might not otherwise encounter. The series encourages young minds to dream big and recognize the importance of education in achieving their goals. Beyond being an excellent reading tool, the WIGU series also incorporates lessons in financial literacy, PNG culture, history, community-focused jobs, health awareness, agriculture, and wildlife conservation, enriching students' overall knowledge.

Leanne Resson, BbP Executive Officer said: “It is vital for young children to have role models to aspire to so they can understand the importance of education and see themselves in professional roles they may otherwise not have thought possible. BbP publishes books with and for PNG’s children and we could not be more grateful for Steamships’ and the Grand Papua Hotel’s support to create this reader.”

The ‘When I Grow Up’ series of readers is sponsored by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and has received editing and design support from Wild Dog Books. Photography is by Roan Paul Photography and Richard Bridger of Buk bilong Pikinini. All written and compiled by BbP Founder Anne-Sophie Hermann.

The readers are available for purchase from Theodist and directly from Buk bilong Pikinini.