Children from Buk bilong Pikinini’s (BbP) Tatana Library Learning Centre recently visited Bank of South Pacific’s (BSP), Waigani Head Office to learn about the importance of financial literacy and the importance of saving while still young, as part of their Book Week programs. The visit provided the children with a chance to participate in interactive activities, observing how money is handled, how transactions occur, and how customers are attended to, effectively bringing their classroom lessons to life in an authentic banking setting. The children received a warm welcome from Samuel Okti, Branch Manager of BSP Waigani Banking Centre, who shared his joy in hosting them. With enthusiasm and smiles, the children were organized into groups and led through various stations in the bank to witness the real tasks of bankers, from assisting customers and processing transactions to grasping how money is managed behind the scenes. The BSP team ensured that every moment was enjoyable and educational, providing the children with a genuine insight into the financial world. Tina Pomat, BSP's Head of Community Development & Sponsorship, accompanied the children throughout the trip, making certain that the visit was truly unforgettable. “At BSP, we’re always happy to welcome young aspiring bankers. It’s a joy to see their curiosity come alive as they explore the world of finance.” “Creating fun, educational experiences like this is part of our commitment to nurturing future leaders.” Meanwhile, Founder and Vice Chair of BbP, Anne-Sophie Hermann, highlighted the importance of exposing children to real-world experiences, such as excursions to banks, to help them understand potential career paths and the value of education. Through their partnership with BSP, they have established three Library Learning Centers and support financial literacy initiatives for children. This collaboration aims to teach valuable life skills like savings and money management. Additionally, they have published a book titled “When I Grow Up I Want to be a Banker” with BSP as part of their mini professionals reader series. Furthermore, BbP extends their heartfelt thank you to Bank South Pacific for supporting their mission to inspire children to dream big through literacy, career exploration, and life skills such as financial literacy.

The United States has ramped up efforts to support Papua New Guinea in addressing the threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) through training and major funding initiatives aimed at keeping communities safe. A five-week Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) training program recently concluded, led by U.S. Marines from the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company. The training was conducted in Port Moresby city and other regions and equipped Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel with essential EOD skills, including safe handling, ordnance identification, controlled demolitions, and emergency response. Col. Baskins, U.S. Defense Attaché in Port Moresby, said the initiative strengthens the U.S.-PNG partnership and reflects a shared commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific. Additionally, the U.S. government has awarded a $2.25 million (K9.2 million) grant to The HALO Trust, a global NGO specializing in mine clearance. HALO signed a memorandum of agreement with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in June and plans to expand operations to Oro Province. Their work will focus on surveying, mapping, educating communities about UXO risks, and safely clearing hazardous areas. The U.S. first supported UXO clearance in PNG in 2009, removing over 2,700 UXO items in Bougainville. These new efforts continue that commitment, aiming to return land to safe and productive use for local communities.

Children from Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) swapped their classrooms for printing presses during an educational excursion to Theodist’s printshop in Port Moresby city as part of National Book Week celebrations. The visit, part of a partnership spanning more than a decade, gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how books, brochures, and other printed materials are created. Guided by Theodist’s graphic designers and printing team, the children designed and printed their own brochures while learning how the machines operate. BbP Founder Anne-Sophie Hermann said the hands-on experience was a valuable way for children to connect their love of reading with real-world creative careers. “Seeing the equipment up close and understanding the process can spark their curiosity and imagination. It’s an experience that makes learning tangible.” Theodist National Sales and Marketing Manager Kevin Anderson said National Book Week was the perfect time to inspire young minds. “Books open doors to creativity and shape the futures of young people.” “Opportunities like this show them how reading links to real-world possibilities.” Theodist supports BbP not only through book sales—proceeds from the When I Grow Up series go directly to BbP programs—but also by offering an in-store donation zone for pre-loved books, ensuring more children have access to reading materials. With more than 50 years of commitment to education in Papua New Guinea, Theodist says it will continue to support initiatives that encourage literacy, creativity, and career inspiration among the country’s youngest learners.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has officially launched its 2025 Book Week celebrations (August 11–15) with the release of five new titles in its When I Grow Up reader series, aimed at inspiring children to dream about future careers. This year’s theme, “My Future Career – When I Grow Up I Want to Be a…”, introduces young readers to local professionals through engaging stories and role play activities at BbP’s learning centres across Papua New Guinea. The five new titles launched are: - When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Chef – featuring Chef Julian Henao (The Locker Room Café & Bar) - When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Police Officer – featuring the Royal PNG Constabulary - When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Project Manager – featuring Hebou Constructions - When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Production Manager – featuring Monier Ltd - When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Mechanic – featuring Ela Motors The week opened with the launch of the Chef reader, with children from BbP’s UPNG Library Learning Centre role-playing as chefs in a hands-on cooking session led by Chef Julz. The session promoted healthy eating and nutrition education using local produce. BbP Founder Anne-Sophie Hermann highlighted the program’s goal of linking literacy with real-life aspirations, saying, “We want children to dream big and understand how school opens doors to exciting futures.” The readers were developed with the support of corporate partners and edited in collaboration with Australian publisher Maryann Ballantyne of Wild Dog Books. Printing and shipping were sponsored by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation. Transport for student excursions during Book Week was provided by Budget Rent-A-Car and Black Swan International.

The PNG Bahá’ís Visitor Centre at Tokarara recently hosted a thought-provoking roundtable discussion on various topics – one of them exploring the growing tension between westernized education and the preservation of Papua New Guinea’s traditional knowledge and cultural practices. Participants shared personal stories and observations, noting that while western formal education offers recognized qualifications and formal employment opportunities, it has also led to the gradual sidelining of indigenous skills and cultural learning. Practices such as learning one’s mother tongue, carving a canoe, or understanding traditional governance systems are increasingly being treated as secondary, with little economic value attached. Speakers expressed concern that this mindset has fostered a perception of cultural inferiority among younger generations, discouraging them from acquiring knowledge that was once passed down freely within communities. Churches, historically instrumental in establishing schools in rural areas, were acknowledged for providing literacy and education but also for encouraging English over local languages. “We’ve succumbed to privileging one language, the one that gets you a job or an education, over others.” This shift, coupled with the influence of colonial religion and governance, was seen as contributing to the erosion of values such as respect, accountability, and trust; values once central to community life. The discussion also highlighted the decline of Tok Pisin proficiency, with some participants noting that foreign academics sometimes speak the language more fluently than local youth. “The first problem with Tok Pisin and English is that one language is privileged over another. This devalues indigenous languages. We were punished in school for speaking them.” The group suggested that language preservation and cultural skills should be formally integrated into school curricula to ensure they survive alongside academic learning. One contributor added that PNG’s many tribes should be viewed not as divisions but as interconnected strands in a strong cultural network, capable of unity as demonstrated when the country gained independence without conflict. The session closed with a call for more balanced education systems, ones that embrace modern knowledge while valuing traditional practices, languages, and cultural identity.

The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) Administration in Lae city has identified five students allegedly involved in the harassment of a young woman, an incident captured in a distressing viral video currently circulating online. According to a press statement from the university’s Senior Executive Management Team (SEMT), the incident took place on 9th August and involved verbal, physical, and sexual harassment of a young female; a blatant display of disgusting behavior from the male university students involved. The identified students have been reported to campus authorities, with investigations continuing as a matter of urgency. The SEMT condemned the behavior as unacceptable and contrary to the university’s values of respect, dignity, and safety. "Any student found to have participated in the harassment will face disciplinary action under the University Student Disciplinary Committee (USDC) rules and may also be referred to police," states the SEMT. The university warned that any retaliation, intimidation, or targeting of other students connected to the incident will result in strict disciplinary measures. PNGUoT reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has partnered with two contestants of the Miss Bird of Paradise Gulf Pageant 2025 to donate books to schools in the Gulf Province as part of its Book Week campaign. Miss Serah Molowia Karu (Miss Keipi) and Miss Monica Julius Maravila (Miss Tairuma) approached BbP for support in providing reading materials to children in their respective communities. Both women are passionate advocates; Miss Karu for literacy in rural areas, and Miss Maravila for youth empowerment and cultural pride. BbP’s official handover today marks a joint effort to improve literacy and inspire a love of reading. Book Week will run from August 11–15 under the theme My Future Career – When I Grow Up I Want to Be a…, highlighting BbP’s When I Grow Up reader series, now expanded to 30 titles with five new career-themed stories including: A Chef, with Locker Room Cafe and Bar and Chef Julain Henao A Police Officer, with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and Chief Inspector Sylvia Reu A Project Manager, with Hebou Constructions A Production Manager, with Monier Ltd A Mechanic, with Ela Motors The initiative is supported by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, with editing assistance from Wild Dog Books (Australia). Acclaimed editor and author Maryann Ballantyne will also join celebrations in PNG. BbP commends both Karu and Maravila for their passion and advocacy. “Supporting their efforts is in line with our mission to increase literacy rates across the country. At Buk bilong Pikinini, we believe that improving literacy is a responsibility shared by everyone — donor partners, organizations, and individuals alike. These young women are shining examples of that.” Karu described the donation as a way to inspire children in Keipi LLG to “dream big,” while Maravila called it “a gift of opportunity for every child in Tairuma.” BbP has extended best wishes to both contestants, saying their advocacy will continue to impact communities long after the pageant.

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp Cast: Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong, Chris Sanders Rating: PG-13│Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi │Run Time: 2h 10min DISNEY’S WASTED LIVE-ACTION COMEBACK “Lilo & Stitch was visually striking – but perhaps introducing new characters, omitting key characters and plot changes could’ve been executed better.” Lilo & Stitch (2025) is Disney’s latest live action remake of the classic 2002 animated film of the same title. The film follows 6-year-old indigenous Hawaiian girl Lilo who adopts what she thought was a dog but was in fact Experiment 626 – a destructive alien creature whom she names Stitch. Maia Kealoha, despite making her Hollywood debut at a tender age, delivers a solid performance as Lilo, capturing her quirky playfulness. Her interactions with animation make it believable and genuine – a commendable effort for someone so young. When it comes to the animated version, characters, Jumba and Pleakly hilariously use clothing, wigs and makeup to disguise themselves while going undercover on earth. However, in the live-action, the characters cleverly use alien technology to disguise themselves as humans – a common sense, yet smart move by the director. Live-action Lilo & Stitch introduces new characters and omits others. Most notable is the introduction of Mrs. Kekoa, a child services worker played by Tia Carrere, and the absence of the main animated villain, Captain Gantu. Although, Mrs. Kekeo plays an important role in the story, her presence on-screen is not particularly strong and is very forgettable. Although most audiences disagree with the ending to Lilo & Stitch, personally, I find that the ending makes sense. Spoiler alert: Nani leaves Lilo to be taken care of by longtime neighbor and friend while she goes off to college. Looking at the situation realistically, Nani has been unemployed for some time, initially waiting tables to support herself and Lilo. With limited jobs available, the best option for her would be to pursue further studies thus opening up more and better opportunities for herself. Many changes in the live-action remake left much to be desired overall – the omission of major characters, new forgettable characters and story changes. Final Verdict: Lilo & Stitch wasn’t Disney’s best live-action remake, although it was visually appealing, it could not capture the same magic in the original. Rating: ★★★ (3/10) Best suited for: Folks who haven’t watched the animated version yet.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) sprint star ,Timothy Tuna, has departed for India this morning, where he will compete in the World Athletics Bronze Level Meet on Sunday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Province. Tuna, PNG’s 200m national record holder and co-holder of the 100m record with Pais Wisil, was invited by the Indian Athletics Association following his strong performances this year. He will race against some of Asia’s best sprinters, including Animesh Kujur of India, who recently broke national records with times of 10.18s (100m) and 20.32s (200m), Seunghwan Ko of Korea (10.42 / 20.45), and Muhd Azeem Fahmi of Malaysia (10.20 / 20.79). Athletes from India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Malaysia, and Korea are confirmed to compete in the men’s sprinting events. Athletics PNG President Tony Green said the meet presents an excellent opportunity for Tuna to sharpen up ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month.

The National Cultural Commission (NCC) has presented K10,000 to support the 2025 Enga Cultural Show, reaffirming its commitment to preserving Papua New Guinea’s traditional heritage. NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda presented the cheque to Tania Bale, CEO of the Enga Tourism Bureau, at a small ceremony in Port Moresby. He praised the show as one of PNG’s most authentic cultural events, free from modern influences, and noted Enga as the only province with a formal cultural centre. “This is something all Papua New Guineans should recognize; Enga stands out as the only province with a fully established cultural centre, and events like this play a key role in preserving and promoting true cultural heritage." Ms. Bale thanked the NCC for its continued support, saying the event promotes peace and unity in the province. “Their support also extends to smaller district-level shows across the province. In a time when Enga often makes headlines for the wrong reasons, these cultural events serve as a unifying force, promoting peace and community spirit.” The 2025 Enga Cultural Show will be held from August 8–10, featuring traditional sing- sings, performances, and cultural displays from across the Highlands. The event draws thousands of local and international visitors, supporting both tourism and cultural preservation.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that over K1 billion will be invested into Southern Region infrastructure and connectivity projects. This was communicated during the signing of the 2025 Port Moresby Papua Accord. The investment will include road links from Port Moresby to Alotau, Kikori and Kerema – unlocking new opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and trade, driving economic growth in the region. PM Marape also pointed out recent trade successes in Abau District. “For the first time, Total is doing deep sea exploration at Mailu (Abau district). China has approved our coffee and seafood exports. Abau district in Central Province is now sending crabs directly to Singapore.” He also emphasized the importance of Papua to the country’s political independence. "From the very beginning, the Papuan side has contributed just as much to the nation as the New Guinea side.” "When you consider the historical divide between Papuan and New Guinea territories, Papua has produced four Prime Ministers: Bill Skate, Mekere Morauta, Peter O’Neill, and myself." He urged the nation to look beyond these artificial divisions, emphasizing the deep-rooted ancestral and trade ties between the regions. "We were united as a people long before there was a distinction between Papua and New Guinea. It's time to move past the idea of a divide between the two.”

Rising sprint star Timothy Tuna has been selected to represent Papua New Guinea at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, where he will compete in the 200 metres; the event in which he has twice broken the national record this year. Tuna, a standout product of the NSI Athlete Development Programme, first gained international attention at the 2024 Oceania Championships, earning a bronze medal in a fiercely contested 200m event. His impressive semi-final time of 21.32 seconds hinted at his potential, which was confirmed when he smashed PNG’s national 200m record with 20.75 seconds in April, and then bettered that mark with 20.64 seconds on May 1st. The 20-year-old continued his outstanding form at the Pacific Games in Palau, where he pushed veteran Pais Wisil to the line in the 100m and stormed to victory in the 200m, claiming gold for PNG. Athletics PNG President Tony Green confirmed Tuna's selection, noting that PNG was granted only one athlete quota for this year’s World Championships. “It was an incredibly tough call between Timothy and Pais, as their performances this season have been nearly identical.” “We considered the quality of results using international scoring tables, world rankings, and how both athletes performed in major meets.” “In the end, Timothy's slightly higher world ranking tipped the balance in his favour.” Tuna will return to school in New Mexico by mid-August before heading to Tokyo in mid-September, where he is expected to be joined by some of his university teammates representing other countries. The 200m heats at the Championships will take place on September 17, with the semi-finals scheduled for September 18.