Buk bilong Pikinini Launches its First Playground Project
Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) successfully launched its first-ever Playground Project this morning at the 9 Mile Library Learning Centre (LLC). This milestone project was initiated in response to the recent requirement by the National Department of Education (NDOE) for all Early Childhood Education (ECE) providers to provide a designated play area for children.
This project as well as a second one, at BbP’s Vabukori Library Learning Centre, was made possible through a generous community grant of K50,000 from the Digicel Foundation, along with the valuable contributions of several corporate supporters who provided materials, labour, and technical assistance.
Donor Partners, Corporates and Teams who supported the Playground Project
Digicel Foundation – Major funder
Hex Constructions – Construction of playground obstacles
Black Swan International – Supply of used tyres used to create borders and tyre art
BNBM – Provision of building supplies and tools
Dulux – Paint for obstacles, tyres and mural wall and for bringing “Ollie” the dog and jelly beans for the students to the launch event
South Pacific Building Solutions (SPBS) – Volunteers for painting (special thanks to Mr Gavin Thompson for the connection)
Brian Bell – Beach toys for the sandpit
Hebou Constructions – Transport of beach sand from Vabukori village to 9 Mile LLC
National Department of Education (NDOE) – Guidance to BbP ensuring that BbP is in compliance with their standards and requirements for an Early Childhood Education (ECE) provider
BbP Playground Project Team led by Mr Jericho Gideon – Installation work, finishings and mural wall
The playground was envisioned to be colourful and themed around PNG animals, creating a vibrant and joyful space for children to learn and play. With the support of all partners, BbP was proud to complete this project and celebrate its official launch today.
Present at the launch were Mr Johann Van Der Merwe, Operations Manager of Monier Ltd, Mr Andrew Nyberg of Dulux, Digicel Foundation team led by Acting CEO, Valde Kilangis Kereu, and Board Director, Helen Gegeyo and their team.
The Dulux team brought mascot “Ollie” as well as lots of yummy jellybeans to the launch to share with excited students.
The official ribbon cutting done by Ms Leanne Resson, Executive Officer of Buk bilong Pikinini Ms Valda Kilangis Kereu, Acting CEO of the Digicel Foundation and Ms Helen Gegeyo, Board Director of Digicel foundation, who officially opened the playground to excited students who eagerly waited to try out the different play obstacles and fun toys.
Ms Leanne Resson, Executive Officer of Buk bilong Pikinini, stated that, “Playgrounds are more than just places to play. They are spaces where children learn to share, to solve problems, and to grow — physically, emotionally, and socially. They teach courage, joy, and friendship through every swing, every climb and interaction whether they’re playing inside the cubby house, busy in the sandpit or taking turns on the see-saw. But playgrounds don’t build themselves. They require vision, effort, and most importantly — collaboration. None of this would be possible without the dedication of all individuals and partners who contributed their time and resources towards the successful completion of this project”.
Ms Valda Kilangis Kereu, Acting CEO, Digicel Foundation, said “At Digicel PNG Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a safe and engaging space to learn, play, and thrive. Your work in creating culturally relevant play spaces and sanitation facilities is critical to building strong, resilient communities.”
Remarks by Ms Helen Gegeyo, Board Director, Digicel Foundation, “Buk Bilong Pikinini is improving literacy and at the same time, creating inclusive learning environments for children with disabilities. We believe that learning never stops; just like our commitment to keeping communities connected. As we support Buk Bilong Pikinini’s mission to empower children through literacy and inclusive education, we encourage everyone to keep striving and keep learning toward a brighter future for Papua New Guinea.”
This Playground Project was one of two playgrounds undertaken by BbP in 2025. The second playground, unfortunately had some delays with progress and is currently under construction, is expected to be completed by Term 1, of 2026.
BbP is grateful to its donor partners and other corporates for their generous support enabling the organization to continue its commitment to providing valuable and wholesome early childhood education to vulnerable children in its mission work to increase literacy rates in Papua New Guinea. BbP looks forward to expanding this initiative and building more playgrounds in all of its 16 Library Learning Centres in the years to come.
