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.