library

Echoing the success of a previous library in the neighbouring Kido village, the Lealea library represents hope and progress for the local community. 

The grand opening on March 1st, 2024, witnessed a gathering of villagers and dignitaries, with NiuPower's chief executive officer, Michael Uiari highlighting the CIP's transformative impact on community empowerment.

Being the third early childhood learning centre under the Oil Search Foundation’s Education and Community Development Program, the library is a beacon of learning, imagination and growth for the locals in Kikori, in Gulf Province.

Working in partnership with the community, Buk bilong Pikinini and the United Church of Papua New Guinea, each partner continues to play a significant role in ensuring the library provides much needed services.

The new library is housed in UPNG’s new School of Business & Public Policy, which was constructed with support from the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.

The library was ceremonially opened by UPNG Vice-Chancellor Professor Frank Griffin and Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Benedict David.

David said the new library and School of Business will support UPNG to continue its proud tradition of producing graduates who are technically skilled and capable leaders.

Nicole Smith, second secretary - Bougainville Program Australian High Commission, handed over the keys for the new library to Kepesia school principal, Marvin Naru, and four other principals of the schools that received a new library. These schools include Kepesia, Kavaranou, Kekesu, Mungkala and Sipuru Primary School. 

Ms. Smith said Bougainville remains a development priority for Australia with education one of the important sectors. 

The association plans to host a fundraising dinner scheduled for May 20 at Stake House in Goroka.

The library will serve about 500 people that live in the area and nearby villages including Kofica, Kabiufa, Gamuga and Makiroka.

The library project will include a learning centre for women and girls.

The library and learning centre will consist of books, internet access, sewing machine, oven and conference room for girls and women to learn basic life skills.

The recently launched National Library, Archives and Records Services 10 Year Strategic Plan 2016-2025 aims to deliver sustainable, accessible, fair, equal and quality library and archives services to the people.

Kombra revealed that before the Board was established, there was a lack in the governance system.

He said there was a vacuum in the way the governance of this agency was managed and there were a lot of issues.

The last NLA Board meeting was held in 2006 and it has been 11 years since the Office of Library and Archives operated without the NLA Board.

The library will serve about 500 people that live in the area and nearby villages including Kofica, Kabiufa, Gamuga and Makiroka.

The library project will include a learning centre for women and girls.

The library and learning centre will consist of books, internet access, sewing machine, oven and conference room for girls and women to learn basic life skills.

This will help improve literacy level in the community and empower women or girls in the Notofana area.

The building will be powered by 5 X 250 w solar panels.