Buk bilong Pikinini will publish a book with Express Freight Management

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) is proud to collaborate with its Platinum partner, Express Freight Management (EFM), on a new book in the organisation’s “When I Grow Up” reader series, featuring the multi-tasking role of a Truck Driver.

It is part of BbP ‘s mission to create locally relevant reading materials for young Papua New Guinean children. The series showcases real professions locally available and features PNG children learning from role models at BbP’s partner companies and organisations. The series aims to help young readers appreciate the importance of education, see themselves in future career pathways and encouraging them to dream big. For this reader, BbP’s student Junior Ben Ian spent a day at the EFM Yard with Semi Trailer Driver Jackson Garona, to learn about the profession. We thank Jackson as well as Mr Lionel Doble, EFM Port Moresby Transport Manager, Lee Dexter, EFM Port Moresby Workshop Manager, Ms Eileen De Olivera, EFM Port Moresby Compliance & Policy Manager, and their amazing teams for their hospitality and assistance during the photoshoot.

The Truck Driver title highlights the vital role that truck drivers play in land-based logistics, transporting goods across the country, connecting communities, and supporting economic growth across Papua New Guinea. Through this collaboration, BbP also brings visibility to both the profession and donor partner EFM as essential contributors to development.

Express Freight Management has been a valued partner of Buk bilong Pikinini for seventeen (17) years, providing customs clearing, handling and freight support for incoming donations of books and educational materials from Australia to Papua New Guinea since 2009. Together with EFM and Seafast, BbP has now brought more than 3 million high quality books to the country since 2009. Their continued commitment ensures books and learning resources reach children across the country.

The publication, with more than 30 titles fully created in-house, receives printing and shipping costs donated by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and donated external editing from Australian publishing house Wild Dog Books, whose contributions have helped bring these locally relevant and inspiring stories to life.

EFM Port Moresby Branch Manager, Mr Nathan Brooks said, “Express Freight Management is proud to support Buk bilong Pikinini and the important work they do in promoting literacy and education across Papua New Guinea. Being part of initiatives like the “When I Grow Up” readers, which inspire young minds and connect learning to real-world experiences, is something we value greatly. We are committed to continuing our partnership and contributing to positive outcomes for communities across the country.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the long-standing support from Express Freight Management, as well as the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and Wild Dog Books,” said Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini. “These partnerships enable us to deliver quality educational resources and create books that inspire future generations. EFM was the first corporate sponsor to support BbP and has allowed us to support thousands of school children each year with our library establishments, ECE programs and book donations. We could not be more grateful.”

The photoshoot brings together a young Papua New Guinean student and industry professionals to authentically capture the trucking profession. The reader will be distributed through BbP libraries and School Library Kits, supporting literacy and career awareness.

Buk bilong Pikinini remains dedicated to improving literacy outcomes and empowering children through education.