Buk bilong Pikinini launches a reader with Nasfund to promote financial literacy from a young age.
Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today launched a reader entitled ‘When I Grow Up I want to be an Accountant’ together with Nasfund. The event took place at BbP’s 6 Mile Library Learning Centre (LLC), where children came dressed as what they want to be when they grow up.
The launch featured Nasfund role model Netanya Stanley, who served as an inspiring figure for the children attending and mini professional Thapau Clement dressed in an identical Nasfund uniform. The event was filled with engaging financial literacy activities with a team of Nasfund professional accountants and financial advisors, allowing young readers to explore the world of accounting through fun and educational exercises.
“When I Grow Up, I want to be an Accountant” is a level 4 Buk bilong Pikinini Reader, which delves into the work of an accountant, explaining to students that an accountant is a person who keeps track of money, including how much is coming in and going out of a business or an organization.
Nasfund role model Netanya Stanley works as an accounts officer in the Finance Division of Nasfund and encouraged young readers to persevere in their education to reach their chosen profession in the future. “If you love numbers, you will love accounting.” said Netanya.
Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Vice-Chair and Founder said: “We are so grateful to Nasfund for their long-term support for BbP. Through their provision of an office space since 2010, BbP has been able to grow to serve thousands of children in our LLCs with a comprehensive Early Childhood Literacy program every day. With the addition of the reader we launched today, we can work together to provide young children with an opportunity to become financially literate from a young age, which will allow them to learn to look after their families well and save money for the future.”
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 Nasfund’s support to create this vital financial literacy reader.”
Nasfund has been a proud Platinum partner of BbP since 2010, supporting the charity through various initiatives, including the WIGU book series. This partnership highlights Nasfund’s commitment to investing in the future of PNG by supporting educational programs that inspire and empower the nation’s youth.
