In an energetic and education-filled morning at the new St. Steven Library Learning Centre (LLC) in Lae city, children were treated to more than just a story—they were taught how to nourish their minds and bodies.
Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP), in partnership with the Lae Biscuit Company (LBC), Lewa Biscuit, and the Lae Snax Tigers rugby team, hosted a special event on Friday 13th June to promote healthy eating and raise awareness about nutrition among early learners. The Library Learning Centre, sponsored by The Chow Foundation, is BbP’s third in Lae and forms part of their broader strategy to address stunting and improve educational outcomes through better nutrition.
Children, parents, and educators were joined by Snax Tigers players Joel Gena, Walter David, Joshua Miall, Reynolds Tai, Bradley Orosambo, head coach Noel Zeming, and their ever-popular mascot, Solomon the Tiger.
The day kicked off with a “biscuit story” session, this is a creative way of explaining how biscuits were originally made to support long sea voyages. Children then performed a lively biscuit-themed song and dance that charmed the crowd.
Central to the event was a hands-on snack pairing activity introducing the Lewa Energy Biscuit, a locally produced, nutritionally enriched biscuit containing key nutrients vital for child development.
Packed with energy-giving carbohydrates (55g), protein (5g), fiber (8g), iron (2mg), and other essential micronutrients such as potassium and glucose, the biscuit aims to support physical growth and cognitive performance in young children.
Importantly, the children were taught to pair the biscuit with locally available healthy foods such as bananas, avocado, eggs, peanut butter, and milk. These foods enhance nutrient absorption and promote balanced eating habits.
Each child created their own lunchbox combination with help from the Tigers players, reinforcing healthy eating as both fun and accessible.
BbP produced the colorful lunchboxes to encourage families to prepare nutritious, home-packed meals instead of relying on processed foods often bought on the way to school.
To conclude the day, the Snax Tigers led rugby drills and games that brought laughter and learning together on the field by demonstrating the connection between a strong body and a healthy diet.
John Chow, Managing Director of Lae Biscuit Company, commended the initiative.
“I am proud to express Lae Biscuit Company’s strong support for the nutritional education program introduced by Buk bilong Pikinini. This initiative reflects an important step toward building healthier and more informed communities in Papua New Guinea. As a company deeply invested in the well-being of our people, we believe in the importance of early education around nutrition, especially for children.”
The event underscores the impact of public-private partnerships in tackling key developmental challenges, especially malnutrition and stunting, which continue to affect children across Papua New Guinea.
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