Opening Ceremony of the Buk bilong Pikinini's St. Steven Library Learning Centre in Lae, Morobe Province
The anticipated opening of Buk bilong Pikinini's (BbP) St. Steven Library Learning Centre (LLC) at 3 Mile in Lae today (04th March 2025) was a momentous occasion that brought together students, parents, teachers, from both BbP and St Steven Elementary School and members of the 3 Mile community for a joyous celebration. Generously sponsored by Lae Biscuit Company through their charity arm The Chow Foundation, this new learning hub aims to provide early childhood education and literacy programs to the children of 3 Mile Lae and surrounding areas.
The ceremony was attended by guests, including distinguished dignitaries including:
John Chow, Chief Executive Officer, Chow Foundation & Managing Director, Lae Biscuit Company
Brenton Kanowski, Consul-General, Australian Consulate-General Lae
Mr. Keith N. Tangui, Provincial Education Advisor, Morobe Provincial Administration Division of Education
Mr. Fabian Chow, Director, Coastal Shipping
Ms. Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder & Vice Chair, Buk bilong Pikinini
Ms. Leanne Resson, Executive Officer, Buk bilong Pikinini
Maria Teresa Guese, Finance Manager, Chow Foundation
Simon Tokawa, HR Manager, Lae Biscuit Company
Theresa Posai, Laundry Supervisor, Lae Biscuit Company
Don Priyasath, National Sales & Marketing Manager, Lae Biscuit Company
Mr. Baimu Sauka, Regional Manager, Kina Bank
Fr. Christababu Chamallamudi, Parish Priest, St. Steven Parish
Fr. John Nake, Church Education Supervisor, Catholic Diocese of Lae
Mr. Bernard Pamba, Teacher In Charge, St. Steven Elementary School
Speaking at the event, Ms. Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice-Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, expressed her utmost gratitude to The Chow Foundation and Lae Biscuit Company for this generous sponsorship. “This partnership is a beautiful example of how the private sector support can make a significant difference in the lives of children in Papua New Guinea.” She graciously thanked the The Chow Foundation and Lae Biscuit Company, as well as Mr Keith Tangui, Provincial Education Advisor for the Morobe Provincial Administration- Division of Education, The Catholic Diocese of Lae and the St Steven Parish, Fr Christababu Chamallamudi, Parish Priest and Catholic Education Advisor, Fr John Nake as well as the St Steven Elementary School and Teacher In Charge, Mr Bernard Pamba, and the parents, guardians and community members of 3 Mile Lae. “We are incredibly grateful for this commitment to supporting education and literacy in our communities,” she said. “The Buk bilong Pikinini program covers various topics in Literacy, Numeracy, Inclusive Education, Digital Learning and now also Nutritional Literacy.”
John Chow, Chief Executive Officer of The Chow Foundation and Managing Director of the Lae Biscuit Company remarked, “Education is a collective responsibility, and today, we celebrate the power of partnerships. This centre is not just a building—it represents hope, opportunity, and progress. It is a testament to what can be achieved when the government, the private sector, community organizations, and families work together towards a common goal. It is the key to a brighter future, and we are proud to support this initiative that will empower young minds. Through the Chow Foundation, we are dedicated to giving back to our communities and ensuring that every child has access to quality learning resources."
Mr Keith Tangui, also expressed similar sentiments on meaningful partnerships to create better education opportunities for PNG’s future generation. He also stressed to the community the importance of maintaining the facilities provided in this partnership to ensure more opportunities like this arise.
Some highlights of the ceremony was the vibrant cultural display performed by the Parents Committee, who showcased a traditional dance from Karawari village in East Sepik Province, welcoming the distinguished guests to their seats on stage and to lead guests to the new LLC for the official blessing by Fr Christababu and Fr John Nake.
There were also present two former BbP students and parents who in their respective speeches highlighted the effectiveness of the BbP program as it has assisted them in furthering their educational journey into elementary, primary and secondary school with ease.
The opening of the St. Steven Library Learning Centre marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve education and access to learning resources in Papua New Guinea.
