Buk bilong Pikinini launches a reader with Pacific Towing (Pactow) and Steamships

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today launched a reader entitled ‘When I Grow Up I want to be a Tugboat Captain’ created with female role model Captain Michelle Boyama from Pactow.

Children from Buk bilong Pikinini’s Baruni village Library Learning Centre, sponsored by Steamships, travelled to Harbourside to launch the reader with their role models Natasha Kema, Engineering Officer and Carol Wallen, Chief Officer and mini professional Morea Nihara.

After the reading launch, the children learnt to identify different types of boats, practiced doing knots and enjoyed a lovely lunch with pizzas from Enzo’s.

The highlight of the event was when Pactow Tugboat ‘Konranga’ came into Harbourside, showcasing its amazing power and tooting sound - much to the delight and excitement of the children. The captain and crew communicated to the ground staff so the children could ask for more tooting and display.

Steamships Managing Director, Chris Daniells said: "The ability to read and write opens doors to endless possibilities, allowing young minds to explore, imagine, and expand. As we celebrate the launch of Buk Bilong Pikinini’s new reader, When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Tugboat Captain, we are very proud to have Pacific Towing’s Captain Michelle featured as our role model. In a field traditionally dominated by men, she is an inspiration to all young girls who aspire to join the maritime industry. Steamships continues to support the Women in Maritime scholarships, and we are very pleased to have showcased our strong female talent today.”

“When I Grow Up, I want to be a Tugboat Captain” is a level 4 Buk bilong Pikinini Reader, which showcases the tasks of a Tugboat Captain and crew as they assist and rescue boats of all shapes and sizes in the habour.

Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Vice-Chair and Founder said: “We are grateful to Steamships and the Pactow for their amazing support to create this exciting reader for the children. We can guarantee after today, that many children will be interested in the profession and will want to join Pactow in 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. Pactow is a case in point with amazing female role models. BbP publishes books with and for  PNG’s children and we could not be more grateful  for Steamships’ and Pactow’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.