Buk bilong Pikinini Launches “Soft Playground” at Port Moresby General Hospital Paediatric Ward 3C

Ms Courtney Abel, seated in white, Sr Martha Rapea, standing in white, and Teacher Jane Hauere, seated in green and children.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new “Soft Playground” at the Port Moresby General Hospital Paediatric Ward 3C. The specially designed space features soft, plush toys and gentle play items aimed at supporting children’s fine motor and gross motor skills, learning, comfort, and joy during recovery.

The launch was proudly supported by the Sir Theo Foundation, with Ms Courtney Abel from the Foundation and Sr Martha Rapea, Sister in Charge of Ward 3C, attending the mini launch. Children at the ward were thrilled to explore the colourful new play items, spending a fun-filled half hour playing, laughing, and enjoying being kids.

The celebration was complemented by a delicious cake from Sweetheart Bakery, which was shared not only with the children present in the playground but also with other patients at their bedsides and their families, spreading smiles throughout the ward.

BbP’s Port Moresby General Hospital Library Learning Centre has been generously supported by The Constantinou Group of Companies and then by the Sir Theo Foundation, since 2008. A special thank you goes to Mr George Constantinou for his ongoing support, which has been instrumental in helping ensure children receiving medical care at the hospital do not miss out on vital learning opportunities, which also aid in their recovery. The support to BbP ensures that this vital work in helping children learn, play, and thrive, even during hospitalisation, is carried out.

“This Soft Playground is more than just a play space,” said Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini. “It gives children in the hospital the opportunity to continue learning and developing essential skills – such as mobility and strength, hand-to-eye coordination all the while providing comfort and joy during their recovery. We are deeply grateful to the Sir Theo Foundation for making this possible.”