A newly Australian-funded initiative is now harnessing the power of storytelling to promote peace, empathy, and non-violence among Papua New Guineans of all ages.

With grant funding under the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership, The Asia Foundation (TAF) is producing a series of locally inspired books that encourage peaceful conflict resolution and challenge

harmful social norms that perpetuate violence.

These stories, written and illustrated by Papua New Guineans, will be shared among children and adults to spark conversations about making better choices and building safer, more respectful communities.

The Let’s Read for Peace and Justice Project will produce and distribute nearly 7,000 storybooks in Tok Pisin, Motu, and English, making them accessible to a wide range of communities.

Beyond publishing these books, TAF will organize interactive reading sessions in schools, community centres, and churches, where both children and adults can participate in discussions about respect, tolerance, and

peaceful ways to resolve conflicts.

The initiative also features training workshops for local authors, illustrators, and educators, helping to build skills for ongoing, community-driven storytelling.

This approach will increase public understanding of the justice services and resources available, empowering individuals to seek support and solutions through both formal and informal justice pathways.

This initiative is part of Australia’s ongoing partnership with Papua New Guinea to promote peace, justice, and rule of law.