City Pharmacy Limited Foundation (CPLF) recently renewed its support to Buk Bilong Pikinini, with a donation of K103, 810.53 to continue funding the Tatana Library Learning Centre (LLC) for another three years.
The cheque was presented by Sir Mahesh Patel, Chairman of the CPL Foundation to BbP’s Executive Officer, Leanne Resson.
The presentation was witnessed by a various attendees, which included students, teachers, parents, guardians, former LLC students, and staff from both CPLF and BbP.
BbP’s Executive Officer, Leanne Resson, greeted Sir Mahesh Patel and the CPLF team.
She expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the continuing assistance that allows BbP to carry out critical activities for Tatana village children.
This ongoing relationship is crucial to assuring the availability of free early childhood education and after-school programs that emphasize phonics, reading development, problem solving, inclusive education, digital learning, and nutritional literacy.
The donation will primarily fund:
A free Early Childhood Education (ECE) program (Kindergarten 2) for the 5- year-olds.
An After School Program (Kindergarten 1) aimed at helping 4-year-olds and school-aged children who require additional support with phonics and reading.
Library resources to stock books and other educational materials for students from the community to borrow and read.
Ms. Buru, a Tatana Primary School teacher, also expressed her gratitude for the BbP program, emphasizing how it has positively benefited pupils transitioning into primary school.
The presence of former BbP students, such as Helen Daiharaga (Grade 11) and Baru Vagi (Grade), who are now attending Badihagwa Secondary School, proved the program’s success, with both remarking how it helped them transition smoothly from primary to secondary school.
Helen, in particular, was a pioneer student at Tatana LLC in 2014.
Sir Mahesh Patel took a time to recognize Tatana LLC’s accomplishments, noting that over 600 students had graduated from the program and successfully transitioned into mainstream schooling since the LLC’s inception in 2014.
He expressed his delight in being a part of this important program and praised both present and former students for their efforts and development.
Sir Mahesh challenged the community and BbP to ensure that all 5-year-olds in the village participate in this effective program, recognizing BbP as one of the best and most sustainable non-governmental organizations in the country.
Mr. Lohia Koregai, a parent representative, also expressed gratitude to Sir Mahesh and CPLF, as well as Leanne Resson and BbP, for their crucial support of the Tatana community over the last 10 years.
He encouraged other parents to take advantage of the Tatana LLC’s services, demonstrating the community’s dedication to its children’s education.
The Tatana LLC is set to continue making a significant impact on the education and future of the children in Tatana village with the renewed support from CPLF.
The collaboration between CPLF and BbP reflects a shared commitment to improving educational access and opportunities for the next generation.
Sir Mahesh Patel and CPLF have supported BbP since 2014.