Two schools in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Region have received a combined K44, 000 in education grants through Paradise Foods' 2026 Smart Start School Promotion.
Hagita Primary School in Milne Bay province was named the Southern Region grand prize winner, receiving a K33, 000 school grant, while Karea Primary School in Gulf province secured the newly introduced runner-up prize of K11, 000.
The winners were drawn today at Paradise Foods' headquarters in Port Moresby as part of the nationwide promotion, which aims to support schools and improve educational infrastructure across the country.
Paradise Foods' Area Sales Manager Jack Lote said the Smart Start School Promotion has become one of the company’s most anticipated national campaigns since its launch in 2022.
“Now in its fifth year, the Smart Start School Promotion has become a highly anticipated national campaign. The initiative has funded impactful projects that benefit students and communities across Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Lote said.
The promotion ran from March 2 to April 30 in which more than 200 schools nationwide engaged in generating 26, 849 entries over the eight-week campaign period.
Mr. Lote said the Smart Start Breakfast Biscuit remains one of Paradise Foods' flagship nutrition products and is fortified with Vitamins A, B6 and B12 to support children’s brain and body development.
He added that the promotion reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to communities through education and youth development initiatives.
Meanwhile, Junior Brand Manager Rex-Obed Milamala, said previous grant recipients had used the funding to build classrooms, teachers' houses and other facilities that directly benefit students and teachers.
“These prizes help schools grow and develop by allowing them to build classrooms, teachers’ housing and school facilities that students can use every day,” Mr Milamala said.
He said all entries were collected and verified under strict procedures, with police supervision ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the draw process.
Students entered the competition by purchasing three Smart Start biscuits, placing the wrappers in an envelope with their school details, and submitting them into designated entry bins at participating schools.
In addition to the school grants, Paradise Foods' will distribute 200 consolation prizes nationwide, with 50 allocated to each region. The prizes include school bags containing water bottles, lunch boxes, socks, and stationery.
The regional winners of the 2026 Smart Start School Promotion are:
SOUTHERN REGION:
Grant Winner – Hagita Primary School
Runner-up – Karea Primary School
MOMASE REGION:
Grant Winner – Omega Primary School
Runner-up – Bowali Primary School
HIGHLANDS REGION:
Grant Winner – Kerebug Primary School
Runner-up – Tega Primary School
NEW GUINEA ISLANDS REGION:
Grant Winner – Tapo Primary School
Runner-up – St Martins Primary School
Paradise Foods thanked all students, teachers and community members who participated in this year's promotion and congratulated the winning schools.
The company stated that the promotion will continue next year as part of its ongoing support for education and community development across Papua New Guinea.
