Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has successfully wrapped up its 2025 Literacy Week celebrations, held from September 1st- 5th, under the theme of “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds”.
With a strong focus on nutritional literacy, financial literacy, and cultural literacy, the week-long event empowered thousands of children and parents across Papua New Guinea (PNG) with essential life skills that support lifelong learning.
Held across BbP’s network of Library Learning Centres (LLCs) in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, Manus, and other provinces, Literacy Week 2025 was made possible thanks to the generous support of ExxonMobil PNG, along with a wide network of donor partners and corporate sponsors.
The week kicked off on Monday, September 1st, with a vibrant opening ceremony at BbP’s UPNG Library Learning Centre in Port Moresby.
Children engaged in a fun and educational line-up of activities led by BbP’s Nutrition Education Program team. These included:
- Nutrition Awareness Talk – Emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and the five food groups.
- Storytime – BbP’s Programs Officer Hebou Gagoa read Tru and Kai, a story that reinforces nutrition messages.
- Guess the Food Game – Children learned to classify foods as “Everyday” (healthy) or “Sometimes” (treats).
- Obstacle Course – Promoting the value of physical activity in healthy development.
On Tuesday, September 2nd, BbP focused on financial literacy, hosting sessions at the Tatana LLC with the support of the CPL Foundation.
Children learned basic money concepts, saving, and responsible spending in fun, age-appropriate activities.
These lessons laid the groundwork for practical financial decision-making from a young age.
A major highlight of the week took place on Wednesday, September 3rd, when BbP hosted a Parents’ Nutrition Awareness Session at its Nine Mile LLC, with a strong turnout of parents eager to learn more about healthy living.
Key Highlights:
- Launch of the 2025 Parents Nutrition Guide, a 30-page booklet developed by BbP and printed with the generous support of Moore Printing, who donated 2,000 copies valued at over K20, 000.
- Sessions focused on:
- The five food groups
- Healthy and affordable meal planning
- Food label reading
- Nutrition’s role in brain development
Community Involvement:
- Parents took part in cooking demonstrations, assisted by BbP students acting as “mini chefs”.
- A lunchbox plating demonstration showed how to create balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
- BbP students presented on the difference between “Everyday Foods vs Sometimes Foods”.
Sales Supervisor from Zenag, Raylyne John, highlighted the nutritional value of eggs.
“Eggs are a rich source of protein and can be included in all three meals; breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
The meals served made from locally sourced ingredients such as boiled rice with tinned fish and vegetables, boiled eggs, fruit kebabs, and milk or kulau, were funded and supported by Trukai, Zenag, Nine Mile Farm, and Waterfront Foodworld.
Meanwhile, parents expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and praised BbP for combining literacy with vital health education.
On Thursday, September 4th, BbP centres transformed into bustling mini markets as children participated in Market Day.
Children pretended to buy and sell food and household items, learning the basics of commerce while reinforcing lessons on healthy eating.
Items for the stalls were kindly donated by, Sanitarium, SVS, Trukai, Zenag, Ilimo, Nine Mile Farm, Waterfront Foodworld and ExxonMobil PNG.
The activity provided children with an opportunity to practice numeracy, budgeting, and decision-making while learning about the nutritional value of different foods.
In addition, the final day, Friday, September 5th, was a joyful Independence Celebration where children dressed in traditional bilas and participated in singsings.
This cultural literacy day highlighted PNG’s rich heritage and led into the country’s upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary.
The celebrations emphasized identity, pride, and unity, encouraging children to embrace their culture while learning the values of healthy living and education.
Buk bilong Pikinini expressed deep gratitude to its wide network of donors and partners for making Literacy Week 2025 possible:
Major Supporters:
- ExxonMobil PNG
- Moore Printing
- Sir Brian Bell Foundation
- Sanitarium
- Australian Export Consortia
- Zenag
- Ilimo
- 9 Mile Farm
- Trukai Industries Ltd
- Waterfront Foodworld
- Lae Biscuit Company
- SVS Mart
- The National
- CPL Foundation
- Chef Julz
- The Locker Room Café and Bar
- Black Swan International (Vehicle Support)
Furthermore, the feedback from both children and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how the sessions have helped them better understand the connection between literacy, nutrition, and daily well-being.