Student’s enrolled in Buk bilong Pikinini’s (BbP) Early Childhood Education program are currently in the process of sitting their final and second progressive test before graduating in December.
The BbP Monitoring and Evaluation team at one Library Learning Center (LLC) is keeping a careful eye on the test outcomes.
In collaboration with Sanitarium, Market 2000, and the Australian Export Consortia, BbP has been testing a breakfast program as part of its recently launched Nutrition Education program.
The program’s goal is to assess the learning impact of consuming a nutritious and high-fiber breakfast prior to class.
The first trial began in September and will continue until graduation in 2024. A second, longer trial will take place from January to June in 2025.
The benefits of early monitoring are already evident.
Before class each day, the students are given a breakfast consisting of Weet-Bix cereal and oat milk.
Martin Tawaheyana, BbP’s Monitoring & Evaluation, and Programs Coordinator observed the results.
“Beyond the physical benefits of a healthy breakfast, the impact of the Sanitarium Breakfast Project is starting to show within the classroom environment.”
“Teachers have noted a marked improvement in the children’s attentiveness and alertness following breakfast.”
“This increased focus is contributing to higher levels of engagement and participation across various classroom activities.”
“Many children, who were previously more reserved are now actively involved, showcasing greater energy and interest in learning.”
“Teachers attribute this positive shift to the sustained nutrition provided by the breakfast program, which seems to be enhancing the students’ ability to concentrate and retain information.”
Furthermore, the project is fostering a sense of community among the students.
Before the official school day starts, students can engage with their teachers and each other in a casual setting by sharing breakfast together, which has turned into a bonding activity.
By strengthening a sense of camaraderie and belonging that extends into the classroom, this shared time fosters an inclusive atmosphere.
Absenteeism is currently extremely low as a result of this.
The goal of the BbP Nutrition Program is to help parents and kids become “nutritionally literate” and recognize the value of eating a balanced diet for both learning and overall health.
Through a collaboration with Trukai Industries, a picture book and a nutrition exercise and guidebook were released in 2024.
In the academic year 2025, the program will be fully implemented across all of BbP’s LLCs.
Buk bilong Pikinini’s published Nutrition Education textbooks are available for purchase from Theodist and CPL outlets and also directly from Buk bilong Pikinini’s office and webshop: https://bukbilongpikinini.charity/.