Early childhood learning

The Buk bilong Pikinini team recently visited Pacific Towing on Motukea Island to witness the intricacies of operating a tugboat, leaving them impressed by the responsibilities involved.

This addition to the series aims to provide children with valuable insights into the world of operating a tugboat, all while showcasing Michelle's incredible journey as a girl-boss in a male-dominated industry.

To mark the occasion, a new 5-year Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Sir Mahesh Patel who represented CPL Foundation, BbP Executive Officer Leanne Resson, and BbP Founder and Chairperson Anne-Sophie Hermann.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the children adorned themselves as pharmacists and nurses, embracing their roles by dispensing "pretend medication" in the form of jelly beans to their "patients." This creative activity not only sparked their imagination but also fostered a sense of empathy and care.

The elementary school teachers were elated to receive the books for their classroom library shelves.

The reader series features Papua New Guinea children in professional roles alongside role models as they discover what is required for different jobs that could be theirs in the future.

The sets currently cover 13 professions, with another six to be launched during Book Week this year.

It all started in the back yard of Joyce Bay in Moresby South electorate, Port Moresby. Teacher by profession, Nathan Andes of Enga and Western Highlands parentage had started the Early Childhood Learning School in 2019, with a vision to help children within the area mostly surrounded by settlements.

The community-based early childhood learning centre caters for children aged 4-5 years and also accommodating 6-7 year-olds who have been left out from entering formal education.

Last year it graduated 23 students into Butuka Academy.

Kuman said, during the recent launch of the delivery of Standards-Based Curriculum (SBC) learning kits, that children’s interest and mental ability to learn is at the highest level during elementary education.

Therefore, it is important that teachers facilitate learning effectively.

Kuman highlighted that teacher competency in teaching skills and subject knowledge is very critical in setting the foundation.

He added that it is important that every elementary teacher’s minimum entry qualification is at diploma and first degree level.

For Nicanor-Jose Berobero and Kayla Schmid at the ATS barracks outside Port Moresby, early learning at home has enabled them to spell, write and pronounce words very well in preparation for their formal schooling next year.

Their teacher, Diane Kawaneva, said early childhood learning is very important as it prepares them very well to go into formal education.

“Children as young as these absorb information fast and that is why early childhood learning is important,” reiterates Kawaneva.