The Buk Bilong Pikinini Library (Bbp) is getting more help via the company operating the PNG LNG project, ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG.
The company has continued its funding support for the library in Port Moresby with K69,000 to help advance early education in Papua New Guinea.
The partnership, in its fifth year, has helped to deliver BbP’s early childhood reading program targeting vulnerable children.
Funding this year will assist with the refurbishment of the library, volunteering activities and, help with the general operations cost of the library.
BbP executive officer Lucinda Kisip said the partnership and ongoing support had played a key role in enabling BbP to deliver on reading and literacy programs and expand their activities to include other centres.
“ExxonMobil PNG has been a valued partner of BbP since 2011. We are very proud of our long association and welcome their continued support,” she said.
EMPNG managing director Andrew Barry said the value of early reading and comprehension for children was critical to their long term educational development.
“Learning to read a book is an important step to opening young minds to a world of possibilities,’’ he said.
“The library offers children the early academic tools they need to inspire them to be successful in life. As a parent, I am very proud to be a part of that effort,” he said.
To date EMPNG has provided more than K400,000 including more than 700 volunteer hours of gardening, painting and book sorting.
The Koki library hosts between 80 to 100 children every day through facilitated early literacy classes, after-school homework and reading sessions, run by six passionate staff. The library provides a safe place for young children to learn to read, and also fosters a love of learning.
BbP establishes children’s libraries throughout Papua New Guinea, and currently operates in 16 locations in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, Alotau and Manus.