This week Buk Bilong Pikinini (BbP) celebrated its sweet 18th Birthday on Tuesday at APEC Haus in Port Moresby by looking back to the missions that provide quality early childhood education to children across Papua New Guinea. The BbP team received a special visit from Bronwyn Wright, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and Chair of the BbP board and her mother Fay Clough. Bronwyn wished the Buk bilong Pikinini team a happy 18th birthday and remarked on how incredibly proud she is of the SBBF partnership with BbP and the incredible work achieved thus far with improving young minds and looks forward for more to come. The lunch was a feast, over 100 donors, sponsors, and supporters of BbP gathered to celebrate BbP’s success and progress with the BbP team that has been empowering young minds since 2007. The celebration was filled with heartfelt appreciation and inspiring stories by the BbP’s Founder and Vice-Chair, Anne-Sophie Hermann. She ended her speech by expressing her deep gratitude to the generous donors who have made the organization's work possible over the years and highlighted the wonderful work achieved by Buk bilong Pikinini in the last 18 years. "We owe the success of BbP to the unwavering support of our donors and sponsors.” “Your contributions have made it possible for us to create a lasting impact on the lives of more than 15,000 children so far.” "I also want to thank my daughter, Yasmine, who inspired me to start this journey in 2007.” “Her passion for learning opened my eyes to the critical need for accessible education for every child." The celebration also featured moving testimonies from several former students, now successful individuals who attributed their academic success to the learning they received at BbP’s library learning centres. Also present to show their appreciation are former BbP students Baru Vagi, Hellen Dai Haraga, Baia Baigago Gagoa, and Rao Ben of Badihagwa Secondary School, along with Delilah Uro from Port Moresby International School. They shared their stories of how the foundational literacy skills they gained at Buk bilong Pikinini helped them excel in school, earn top awards, and even skip grades. "Thanks to BbP, I was able to develop my reading and comprehension skills, which gave me a huge advantage in school," said Baia Gagoa. "I truly believe that my journey and success in education began at Buk bilong Pikinini." From Lae, a former BbP student Alucia Alusi who is currently in Bumayong Secondary School in Lae, and her mother Pamela were also featured in a radio interview with Anne-Sophie to talk about the positive impact attending BbP had on Alucia. In recognition of their dedication and hard work, all BbP teachers were presented with gifts to celebrate the organization's 18th anniversary. The event, which was catered by Chef Julz and The Catering Co., featured a delicious canape spread, with several large cakes from Sweetheart Bakery, making the celebration even more special. As Buk bilong Pikinini looks ahead to the next 18 years, the organization remains committed to its mission of providing free, high-quality early childhood education to the children of Papua New Guinea with the support of its amazing donors and sponsors, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.