Buk bilong Pikinini Celebrates 98 Young Graduates with the UPNG Vice Chancellor and Sir Brian Bell Foundation

Session 1 Graduating Class – BbP UPNG Library Learning Centre 2025.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) proudly celebrated the graduation of 98 students today at its University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Library Learning Centre (LLC), marking another milestone in providing strong educational foundations for Papua New Guinea’s future leaders.

Session 2 Graduating Class – BbP UPNG Library Learning Centre 2025

BbP was honoured to have the presence of UPNG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian Findlay, and Mr Cameron Mackellar, CEO of Brian Bell Group, representing the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF) to celebrate the children’s achievements.

The Sir Brian Bell is the major sponsor of the UPNG LLC and UPNG has provided land since 2013. In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Findlay highlighted the importance of strong educational foundations, emphasising that early learning plays a crucial role in shaping brighter futures for children in PNG.
Mr Mackellar congratulated the graduates and their families, commending their dedication and wishing the children well in their continuing educational journey.

BbP was also delighted to welcome representatives from several long-standing and valued partners, including Theodist, Niunet, Lightspeed, Ilimo Dairy, SVS, Zenag, and the Australian High Commission.

BbP Founder and Vice Chair, Ms Anne-Sophie Hermann, and Executive Officer, Ms Leanne Resson, were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the young learners and to personally thank donors and parents for their continuous support.

Ms Hermann expressed BbP’s deep gratitude to the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and its CEO and BbP Board Chair, Bronwyn Wright, for being steadfast and passionate supporters of BbP’s mission. SBBF sponsors not only the UPNG LLC but also five additional LLCs in Port Moresby and Lae, as well as BbP’s Inclusive Education Program, citing today was International Day of Disabled Persons, and Publishing Program, which produces BbP’s beloved When I Grow Up reader series.

Ms Hermann also thanked sponsors Sanitarium, Australian Export Consortia and Market 2000, who have provided generous support with a Breakfast Program, which has substantially improved the children’s learning.

A highlight of the ceremony was a joyful show-and-tell activity, where students confidently shared what they aspire to become when they grow up, inspiring cheers from parents, donors, and guests—an inspiring showcase of BbP’s holistic approach to nurturing children’s dreams.

Parent representatives Mr Allan Boussoungou, Mr Mali Voi Jnr, and Mrs Linda Manig expressed heartfelt appreciation to all donors for their support and to BbP for providing a free and empowering early childhood education program. They also encouraged fellow parents to continue supporting their children’s learning.

Vice Chancellor Professor Findlay, Mr Mackellar, and attending donor representatives proudly presented certificates to the graduates. The Sir Brian Bell Foundation team added a special touch by gifting each child a delightful “Dash Dog” plush toy to mark this memorable milestone.

Buk bilong Pikinini extends its warmest congratulations to the 2025 graduating cohort and expresses sincere thanks to all donors, supporters, and parents for their combined efforts in shaping the nation’s future leaders.