Buk bilong Pikinini Turns 18: Former students share their successful academic journeys thanks to the organisation’s Early Childhood Education program
April 17, 2025 – Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has proudly celebrated 18 years of empowering Papua New Guinea’s youngest learners through high-quality early childhood education. Since 2007, the organization has helped thousands of children build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and life skills—paving the way for brighter futures.
From a single Library Learning Centre to a nationwide movement, BbP has expanded its reach to communities across PNG, delivering innovative, inclusive programs that now include digital and nutritional literacy alongside its core early learning curriculum.
Alucia giving her speech and testimonial during the St Steven LLC opening.
At the heart of BbP’s work are inspiring stories of former students whose strong educational foundations continue to shape their success. One such student is Ms Alucia Alusi, now in Grade 9 at Bumayong Lutheran Secondary School in Lae, Morobe province. Alucia began her learning journey with BbP at just three years old at BbP’s UPNG library learning centre and then onto Unitech library learning centre in Lae when she was five, and credits her early literacy skills for helping her excel throughout primary school. She dreams of one day pursuing Computer Science at university.
“I’m so proud of how far Alucia has come,” says her mother, Pamela Alusi. “Buk bilong Pikinini gave her the tools to succeed. I highly recommend it to other parents—it truly makes a difference.”
Alucia shared her journey at the launch of BbP’s new Library Learning Centre at St. Steven, 3 Mile in Lae and also recently during BbP’s 18th birthday in a live radio interview with FM100, joining a growing list of confident young voices who continue to inspire.
Other former BbP students, including Baru Vagi, Hellen Dai Haraga, Baia Baigago Gagoa, and Rao Ben of Badihagwa Secondary School, and Delilah Uro of Port Moresby International School, have also stepped forward to share how the foundational literacy they gained through BbP has helped them earn top academic awards, excel across subjects, and even skip grades. Their achievements reflect the long-term impact of early education done right.
Baru Vagi, doing grade 8 at Badihagwa Secondary School during BbP's 18th birthday reception.
Delilah Uro, now at Port Moresby International School, giving her testimonial during BbP's 18th birthday reception.
As BbP marks this milestone, the organization expresses heartfelt thanks to its donors, partners, and passionate team who have made this journey possible. Their support has helped reach thousands of children and create a movement toward a more literate and equitable PNG.
“Eighteen years is not just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of transformation,” says BbP Founder and Chairperson, Anne-Sophie Hermann. “We’re so proud of our children and excited for what the future holds.”
With continued support, BbP looks forward to reaching even more children in the years ahead—continuing to spark a love of learning and shaping the next generation of Papua New Guinean leaders.
L-R: Former BbP students Baru Vagi and Helen Dai Haraga of Badihagwa Secondary School, Dalilah Uro now at Port Moresby International School and Baia B Gagoa and Roa Ben of Badihagwa Secondary School.
L-R: Leanne Resson, Executive Officer of BbP; Pamela Alusi, Alucia'a mother; Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice Chair of BbP; and Alucia Alusi, during the recent opening of BbP's St Steven library learning centre (LLC) in Lae.
