“Future Professionals in the Making: BbP’s Project Manager Reader Launch with Hebou Constructions”

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today proudly launched one of five of its latest When I Grow Up reader, “When I Grow Up I Want to be a Project Manager”, featuring Hebou Constructions.

The reader tells the story of what it takes to be a Project Manager where Gracelyn Patrick, a former BbP student from the Tatana Library Learning Centre (LLC), who spent a day with RuthDee Guma of Hebou Constructions, at the company’s Goldie Barracks project site. Gracelyn learned first-hand what it takes to lead large-scale construction projects, from planning and coordination to teamwork and problem-solving.

As part of the launch excursion today, Gracelyn, RuthDee, and 20 students from BbP’s 6 Mile LLC spent the day at Hebou Constructions’ Heavy Plant Workshop, joining the Workshop Plant team for a behind-the-scenes look at their operations. The group toured the workshop to see the huge machinery used on major infrastructure projects and learn about the critical role of heavy plant operations in delivering successful builds.

The excursion was made even more engaging with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF) support squad present to assist the children with activities throughout the day, helping to create a fun, hands-on learning experience.

At the launch, Gracelyn confidently read the When I Grow Up I Want to be a Project Manager reader alongside RuthDee, who guided her through the story. She also delivered a heartfelt thank-you to the BbP team, Hebou Constructions, role model RuthDee Guma, the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Maryann Ballantyne of Wild Dog Books, and Roan Paul of Roan Paul Photography for their support in making the reader possible.

The launch coincides with BbP’s Book Week celebrations, held this year under the theme “My Future Profession – When I Grow Up I Want to be a…”. This year’s program places a strong focus on the When I Grow Up series of readers, which aims to broaden children’s horizons by introducing them to a variety of careers and inspiring role models.

BbP extends its heartfelt thanks to Maryann Ballantyne of Wild Dog Books for her support with external editing of the When I Grow Up readers; Mr Roan Paul of Roan Paul Photography for capturing the high-resolution images featured in the books; and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF) for supporting the printing and shipping costs of the readers.

The When I Grow Up I Want to be a Project Manager reader was made possible through collaboration with Hebou Constructions whose sponsorship ensures more children have access to quality literacy resources and career inspiration.

Buk bilong Pikinini Founder and Vice-Chair Anne-Sophie Hermann expressed her gratitude, “Thank you to Hebou Constructions, a Platinum Sponsor of BbP and General Manager, Mr Jon Brasher, for taking time out to attend the launch and excursion. This collaboration on the reader and this excursion activity for the launch will inspire a whole generation of young learners to reach for opportunities and explore the world of future professions. We are so proud to feature Gracelyn’s journey from a BbP student to an aspiring professional. Stories like these show our children that their dreams are within reach, and with the support of partners like Hebou Constructions, we can continue to inspire and empower the next generation.”

Hebou Constructions General Manager Mr Jon Brasher, who greeted and welcomed the children, applauded them for their visit and encouraged them to stay in school to pursue their dreams, “It is wonderful to have you here today to see what we do and to meet our team. I encourage you to keep going to school, to work hard, and to follow your passions so that one day you can become the future professionals and leaders of Papua New Guinea.”

This reader joins BbP’s growing library of When I Grow Up titles, giving children the tools and inspiration they need to dream big and succeed.