Buk bilong Pikinini’s high standards ECE program attracts visitors from Tonga
Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) this week hosted a high-level visit of members from the Ministry of Education of Tonga. The visit took place at BbP’s Vabukori village Library Learning Centre sponsored by Steamships Trading Company and the Motu Koita Association.
Mrs. Ileini Takeifanga (Chief Education Officer, Curriculum Development Unit), Mr. Eddy Fakahua (Education Officer, Assistant Director for the Primary Division), and Mr. Herbert Takeifanga (Director Primary Division) visited as part of their tour to explore Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs in Papua New Guinea.
The team highlighted that Tonga, as a Pacific Island nation, has made significant strides in improving literacy rates in recent decades. However, there are still areas where illiteracy remains a challenge, particularly in rural or remote regions, and among disadvantaged groups. There are many similarities with Papua New Guinea, with Tongan as the official language and English as the language of instruction in schools. This bilingualism can sometimes pose challenges in early education, particularly for children who might struggle with English, which is not their first language.
While there has been progress in improving the quality of early education, the country faced challenges just like PNG with insufficient teacher training, limited resources (e.g., teaching materials, play equipment), and overcrowded classrooms.
The visiting team observed a lesson by BbP’s highly trained teachers, interacted with the children during their activities, and gained insights into BbP’s program which includes literacy, numeracy, inclusive education, digital learning and nutritional instruction. This is all part of the program to prepare the children for school and improve their chances for a sustained high level education performance. The team were greatly inspired by BbP’s program materials and resources and impressed by the school readiness shown by the 5-year-old children, who demonstrated their great reading skills, phonics prowess and classroom discipline.
International research suggests that early literacy determines both a child’s future literacy skills as well as their general education outcomes and academic achievements including transitioning to higher levels of education. BbP’s ECE program incorporates both structured and play-based learning to keep the children engaged and enjoying their education journey. Getting off to a strong start is essential as those who fall behind early tend to fall behind event further as they get older.
BbP was delighted to host the visit and have the opportunity to showcase the organisation’s high standards learning environment made available to children free of charge, thanks to the support received by donor partners and sponsors of the organisation.
