The Sir Brian Bell Foundation Expands Support for Buk bilong Pikinini with Sponsorship of Additional Library Learning Centres

Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today celebrated International Mother Language Day across all of the organisation’s Library Learning Centres (LLCs) nationwide. Such events play a crucial role in fostering cultural appreciation, curiosity, and tolerance among children as they explore the diverse languages of Papua New Guinea.

Thanks to the Sir Brian Bell Foundation's (SBBF) extended support, even more children will be able to participate in these events and enroll in BbP’s high-quality Early Childhood Education program. The SBBF has generously expanded its sponsorship to include two additional LLCs located in Vabukori and Baruni, previously supported by Steamships Trading Company.

The SBBF has been a valued Platinum Sponsor of BbP since 2018, and the continued collaboration between the two organisations highlights their shared commitment to creating a brighter future for Papua New Guinea’s children. BbP is deeply grateful for the SBBF's sustained dedication to the cause of education. Their support is comprehensive, encompassing the sponsorship of six LLCs in Port Moresby and Lae, backing for BbP’s Inclusive Education program, and the publication of the popular When I Grow Up series of readers. Bronwyn Wright, CEO of SBBF, also serves as Chairlady of the BbP board.

This generous support will have a lasting impact on the children of Vabukori and Baruni villages by granting them access to high-quality early childhood education and library services, helping young minds from these communities grow and thrive.

The announcement comes on International Mother Language Day, an important occasion for the Motu Koita people of Vabukori and Baruni. For these communities, preserving their native language is crucial to safeguarding their cultural heritage. For the children, the opportunity to learn their language alongside formal education is a privilege, made possible by the ongoing support of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation.

The sponsorship ensures that more children in these villages will have access to libraries and essential educational resources, fostering a love of reading and learning. It also provides a platform for these children to connect with and celebrate their culture through the integration of cultural learning into their educational experience.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Sir Brian Bell Foundation for their continued support of our mission to provide quality early childhood education and library services across Papua New Guinea,” said Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice-Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini. “Their commitment to our work is shaping the future of thousands of children. With their sponsorship, we can continue to offer invaluable learning opportunities to children in Vabukori and Baruni.”

BbP looks forward to further collaboration with SBBF and the lasting positive impact this extended partnership will have on the children of these two communities for years to come.