Buk bilong Pikinini launches “When I Grow Up I Want to be a Production Manager” reader in collaboration with Monier Ltd

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today proudly launched its fourth Book Week title for the When I Grow Up (WIGU) reader series: When I Grow Up I Want to be a Production Manager, created in collaboration with Monier Ltd.

Monier Ltd is a part of the Constantinou Group of Companies who are a long term and platinum sponsor of Buk bilong Pikinini.

The launch is part of BbP’s Book Week 2025 celebrations (August 11–15), which feature five new titles in the WIGU series. These readers are designed to inspire children to dream big and develop career aspirations from an early age. The latest title highlights the role of a Production Manager — a critical profession in manufacturing and industry — and aims to encourage more young Papua New Guineans to consider this career as the country looks ahead to its next 50 years.

With our two “construction” titles in the WIGU series, BbP is actively seeking to reverse traditional gender roles by placing girls in professions typically dominated by men. This approach helps expand children’s perceptions of what careers are possible for them, regardless of gender.

For today’s launch, mini Production Manager Priscilla Kamene — a former BbP student from the University of Papua New Guinea Library Learning Centre — joined role model Production Manager Mr Peter Auru, Concrete Precast Manager of Monier Ltd (both featured in the reader) to lead 20 students from BbP’s 9 Mile Library Learning Centre on a special excursion. The group toured the Monier Concrete Pipe Plant facility at the 9 Mile Monier Quarry, learning about the step-by-step process of making concrete pipes. These enormous pipes are essential for various infrastructure and construction projects across Papua New Guinea.

We are grateful to have had Mr Mathew McLachlan, General Manager of Monier Ltd, attend the event to greet and welcome the students. He welcomed them to the plant site and joined them on the tour, explaining that they would learn a lot about being a Production Manager during the visit. We also extend our thanks to Mr Henry De La Pena, Quarry Manager, for his attendance and support during the launch.

BbP Founder and Vice Chair, Anne-Sophie Hermann stated that “Through these stories, we want children to see the many possibilities for their future. Production Managers play a vital role in keeping industries running smoothly, and we hope this book inspires our readers to explore opportunities in this important field. We are also committed to showing girls that they can excel in professions traditionally dominated by men. We are grateful to Monier Ltd for collaborating with us to showcase this profession and for allowing children to see the impact of this role in the real world.”

Mr Mathew McLachlan said “Monier is proud to partner with Buk bilong Pikinini on this important project. As one of Papua New Guinea’s leading manufacturers, we understand the need to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals. By highlighting the role of a Production Manager, we hope to spark curiosity and ambition in young readers — and perhaps welcome some of them into the industry in years to come.”

The When I Grow Up readers are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF), which covers printing and shipping costs; Maryann Ballantyne of Wild Dog Books for external editing; and Roan Paul of Roan Paul Photography for capturing the stunning high-resolution images featured in the series.

In partnership with Monier Ltd, this reader showcases the day-to-day work of Production Managers, the teamwork required in manufacturing, and the innovation driving Papua New Guinea’s industries forward.

The WIGU series forms part of BbP’s ongoing mission to promote literacy, inspire curiosity, and prepare children for a bright and productive future.

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