Buk bilong Pikinini launches a reader with NAQIA and the RSPCA

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today launched a reader entitled ‘When I Grow Up I want to be a Veterinarian (Vet)’ with Dr. Tania Areori from NAQIA and Jasmine Mileng, Vet Nurse from the RSPCA. The reader seeks to inspire more children in PNG to pursue a similar career. PNG currently only has 3 national Veterinarians.

The event took place at BbP’s Koki Markets Library Learning Centre (LLC), where children and teachers had set up an impressive vet clinic with the assistance of the RSPCA. The children came dressed Veterinarians and vet nurses.

The launch featured NAQIA role model Tania Areori, (PNG’s only female vet) and Jasmine Mileng from the RSPCA reading the book together with the children.

“When I Grow Up, I want to be a Veterinarian” is a level 4 Buk bilong Pikinini reader, which discusses what a Vet does, showcases PNG birds, mammals, fish and marine animals, insects, reptiles and amphibians as well as snake awareness.

NAQIA role model Dr. Tania Areori commended BbP for publishing a book about her profession as she had wished she would have had access to such a book growing up. She went on to say: “This initiative will allow kids to be inspired by local professionals within PNG, I can’t wait to see how many children will pursue the career in the coming years. There are not a lot of Veterinarians in PNG and that’s what we hope for as there are only 3 vets to millions of people, who need care for their pets and animals, preventing diseases from spreading, food safety and security and professionals in the animal health sector as they play such an important role in the livelihood of Papua New Guineans.”

Karen Swale, RSPCA Administration Manager said: “RSPCAPNG Staff, Management and the Committee are proud to be a part of this launch, to inspire more of the younger generation of the endless career opportunities. With the goal that this book will encourage more Papua New Guineas to see the importance and value of becoming a Veterinarian in their future ambitions. We hope with this launch event and with the release of the book, more children will be inspired to become Veterinarians and work within PNG.

There is a great need for more Papua New Guinean Veterinarians with the skills to treat livestock, wildlife, and domestic animals.

I would like to thank Buk bilong Pikinini for the opportunity and for the initiative of creating these readers “What I Want to be When I Grow up”. I believe that most children get their creativity and goals from scenery experiences, teachers (within their family, community, and schools) and memorable books they have read or that have been read to them.”

Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Vice-Chair and Founder said: “Papua New Guinea has the most amazing animals and wildlife. It is important for young children to grow up to appreciate and care for these special animals as well as their pets at home. We are grateful for the support and partnership we have with NAQIA and the RSPCA for animal welfare awareness sessions and taking part in the production of the reader. We could not be more grateful.”

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 NAQIA and RSPCA’s support to create this reader which will surely see many more children wanting to help look after PNG’s precious animals.”