Buk bilong Pikinini Celebrates Final Book Week Launch at Ela Motors
Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) marked the grand finale of its Book Week celebrations (August 11–15, 2025) with an engaging and educational excursion to Ela Motors PNG. Twenty students and teacher Loretta Poroki from BbP’s Koki Library Learning Centre (LLC) were warmly welcomed by Ela Motors PNG Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Masaru Mikami, and the Ela Motors team at the company’s Training Facility, Ela Academy.
Mr. Mikami greeted the students, sharing the importance of vehicles in providing mobility, comfort, and happiness. He emphasized the critical role of mechanics in ensuring transportation is safe and efficient, highlighting that Ela Motors is fortunate to have some of the best mechanics providing quality vehicles and vehicle maintenance for their consumers.
The students were joined by former BbP student, Quinten Tony Robby, along with role models Glen Koyou, second year mechanic apprentice at Ela Academy, and John Parau, who together read BbP’s Mechanic reader. Following the reading, the students toured the Ela Motors Training Facility (Ela Academy) and explored the various vehicles in the facility, including Yamaha products, boat engines, motorbikes, electric buses, tractors, trucks, and vehicle engine setups, gaining insight into the tools and skills mechanics use to maintain and repair vehicles.
The Mechanic reader marks the thirtieth title in BbP’s When I Grow Up reader series. Buk bilong Pikinini extends heartfelt thanks to Ela Motors for their collaboration on this reader, as well as to the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF), Maryann Ballantyne of Wild Dog Books, and Roan Paul of Roan Paul Photography for the invaluable support provided in creating this reader.
BbP is especially grateful to Mr. Masaru Mikami, CEO for Ela Motors PNG; Mr. Philip Sweeney, General Manager of Fixed Operations; Mr. Denzil Robertson, Chief Operating Officer for Distribution and Retail of Fixed Operations; Mr. Ben Johnson, National Talent Development Manager of the Learning & Development Office; and Mr. John Parau, Technical Education & Strategy of the Learning & Development Office for their support and guidance during the visit.
The Ela Motors team also provided refreshments and gift bags, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for the students. The excursion not only provided hands-on learning opportunities but also encouraged students to consider future careers in the automotive and engineering industries.
BbP is also grateful to Budget-Rent-Car for their support with buses for this student excursion to Ela Motors. The students and teacher were able to get to the excursion locations and back safely and comfortable.
Buk bilong Pikinini’s Book Week 2025 has inspired young learners to explore a variety of professions through its When I Grow Up reader series, fostering curiosity, learning, and ambition.
