BSP Group CEO, Mr Mark Robinson, Attends BbP Graduation and Launches First Financial Literacy Guide

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) proudly celebrated the graduation of 86 young learners at the Lae Unitech Library Learning Centre (LLC), generously sponsored by Bank South Pacific (BSP). The ceremony was especially significant as it included the launch of BbP’s first Financial Literacy Guide, to empower school-aged children with essential financial skills, knowledge of Papua New Guinea’s Kina and Toea, and the importance of saving.

The launch of the Financial Literacy Guide was done by BSP Group CEO, Mr Mark Robinson, BSP Chairman, Mr Robert Bradshaw, BSP Director, Mr Frank Bourage with BbP Management team of Ms Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP’s Founder and Vice Chair and Ms Leanne Resson, BbP’s Executive Officer. The launch was done in a fun and interactive way. Teachers created a mini pretend bank, where some of the young graduating students role-played as mini BSP bankers. The guide contains simple information on PNG notes and coins, recognition of Kina and Toea, and the importance of savings, giving children a practical and engaging way to learn about financial literacy—an area not usually covered in schools but vital for developing lifelong skills.

The event was historic for BbP as it marked the first visit by BSP Group CEO, Mr Mark Robinson, to a BbP Library Learning Centre. He was joined by BSP Chairman, Mr Robert Bradshaw, BSP Director, Mr Frank Bourage, and the BSP team, highlighting BSP’s ongoing commitment to supporting early childhood education through the Lae Unitech LLC.

Ms Anne-Sophie Hermann said in her remarks, “I am proud to say that BSP has been supporting the BbP Lae Unitech Library Learning Centre since its inception in 2013. The BbP program is holistic and covers literacy, numeracy, including financial literacy, inclusive education, digital learning, and nutritional education to teach and build respectable citizens for the future.”

During the ceremony, Anne-Sophie called up some students to share what they wanted to be when they grow up. The students mentioned professions of Engineers, Pilots, Accountants, and Bankers. She then highlighted to Mr Robinson and BSP that they will have many future Bankers from BbP, and mentioned to Vice Chancellor of Lae University of Technology, Professor Garry Sali, that Unitech will see many students from BbP applying to study there in the future from BbP as well.

Mr Robinson remarked, “I am delighted to attend the graduation and see such young, lovely faces. I encourage all of you to strive to become future professionals and, hopefully, bankers in the future. I am pleased that BSP has been supporting the Lae community through the BbP program since 2013 and I am happy to continue this support and partnership in the coming years. I also want to highlight that getting a professional job is only made easier when one is literate, something that BbP strives to instil as part of its mission.”

Mr Bradshaw also shared Mr Robinson’s sentiments saying that “It is a pleasure to see these bright young learners thriving, and BSP is proud to support their growth through the BbP program. We look forward to continuing this partnership and encouraging children to develop strong habits and skills for their future.”

Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Garry Sali said, “It was inspiring to see these young learners so eager to learn. BbP is building a strong foundation that will prepare them for future studies, and we look forward to welcoming many of them to Unitech in the years to come.”

The celebration began with a vibrant performance by Oro dancers, welcoming guests in a colourful and culturally rich tradition.

There was also remarks from Miss Alucia Alusi, a former BbP student from the Lae Unitech LLC and now a confident Grade 9 student at Bumayong Lutheran Secondary School. Alucia shared her successful educational journey and her ambition to study computer science, inspiring the graduates and their families.

Each graduating student received a Piggy Bank courtesy of BSP and a copy of the Financial Literacy Guide as part of their graduation gifts. The BSP team from the Lae Top Town Branch, led by Team Lead Maimu Bae, a regular visitor to the LLC for other events throughout the year, were also in attendance and set up a booth for parents to open accounts for themselves and their children, providing hands-on support during the ceremony.

Buk bilong Pikinini extends heartfelt thanks to BSP, the PNG University of Technology, families, teachers, and supporters who continue to champion early childhood education.

We congratulate all 86 graduates of the Lae Unitech Library Learning Centre and wish them every success as they continue their educational journeys.