Buk bilong Pikinini Expands Breakfast Program with Key Partners: Sanitarium PNG, Australian Export Consortia and Market 2000
Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) is pleased to announce the extension of its Breakfast Program, following a successful 3-month pilot last year and another 6-month earlier this year at one of the organisations’ Library Learning Centres where 257 students participated. The pilot, which was subject to extensive monitoring and evaluation showed very positive results in supporting student focus and learning in the classroom.
The expanded program will now include three additional BbP Library Learning Centres (LLCs), bringing much-needed nutritious breakfasts to more children across Port Moresby. This initiative is valued at over K200,000 and marks a significant step forward in improving student nutrition and engagement.
Childhood malnutrition and poor breakfast choices remain a big concern in Papua New Guinea. Through this partnership, BbP and its partners aim to raise awareness on the importance of a nutritious breakfast as a vital factor in helping children improve attention spans and perform better in the classroom.
The extension of the program is made possible through the generous support and partnership of Sanitarium PNG, Australian Export Consortia, and Market 2000, who are providing breakfast products including Weet-Bix and So Good Oat Milk to BbP students. BbP is incredibly grateful to these partners and looks forward to the program making a meaningful impact on children’s learning and wellbeing.
Leanne Resson, Executive Officer of Buk bilong Pikinini, said, “The results already observed from our two breakfast trials with Sanitarium PNG has shown very encouraging improvements in both the children’s focus and ability to learn in the classroom. This was evident after our progressive testing showed that the children, who had taken part in the trial, performed 27% better than those who had not taken part. We also observed calm and happy children, which would be due to the high fibre content in their Weet-Bix and Oatmilk breakfast, which provides a high level of satiation”.
Mr. Tarin McManus, Country Manager for Australian Export Consortia (AEC), said, “Children are the future, and giving them the best start in life secures our collective future. We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini and support the incredible work they do in nurturing young minds. AEC and Sanitarium extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Buk bilong Pikinini team for their dedication and impact. Together, this partnership continues to build a brighter future for Papua New Guinea’s next generation.”
Educators at BbP reported noticeable improvements in children’s alertness, energy levels, and overall learning outcomes after receiving their daily breakfast. These encouraging results have inspired AEC and Sanitarium to increase their investment and broaden the program’s reach.
The expanded program aims to provide consistent access to nutritious food for children in underserved communities, reinforcing the importance of health and education in early childhood development.
The MOU formalizing this program extension was signed today at the Buk bilong Pikinini Head Office, to cement the continued collaboration between BbP and its partners to improve child nutrition and educational outcomes in Papua New Guinea.
In addition to the Breakfast Program, BbP provides a comprehensive Nutrition Education Program to students and parents at all Library Learning Centres. A teacher training and parent awareness session program is currently in development and will be available from 2026 to ensure a wide reach and uptake of healthy nutrition practises for children as they grow and learn.
