Inspiring Big Dreams: Buk bilong Pikinini and Lae Biscuit Company Collaborate on New “When I Grow Up” Reader

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) is excited to partner with Lae Biscuit Company (LBC) to bring to life a new reader titled “When I Grow Up I Want to be a Factory Manager.”

This new title joins BbP’s much-loved “When I Grow Up” series, which now includes 30 books showcasing a wide range of careers, all designed to spark curiosity and inspire young children to dream about their future.

Ms Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, said: “We are grateful for the additional support from our partners at Lae Biscuit & the Chow Foundation for the opportunity to showcase what it takes to become a Factory Manager at PNG’s much-loved Lae Biscuit Company. With this “When I Grow Up” series, we are trying to provide the children with information about real-life jobs they can aspire to in PNG – once they have completed their education. We are learning from amazing role models, who are giving the children a vital insight into their worlds. The Lae Biscuit factory is in itself an inspiring workplace, so we cannot wait to launch the book during Book Week for all to see.”

What makes this reader especially exciting is the real-life experience behind it. LBC’s Factory Manager, Mr George Noho, welcomed BbP student Eli Allana for a behind-the-scenes tour of the LBC factory, giving her a firsthand look at what the job is really like.

From watching raw ingredients being poured into gigantic mixers to seeing them transformed step-by-step into popular biscuit and noodle products, the visit was full of discovery and wonder. For Eli Allana, it was a chance to connect what she reads in books to real life, and to imagine what she could one day become.

Mr John Chow, Managing Director  of Lae Biscuit Company, remarked “We are proud to partner with Buk bilong Pikinini on this special reader because it shows children that big dreams can start close to home. By opening our factory doors and sharing the journey of a Factory Manager, we hope to inspire young Papua New Guineans to believe in their potential, value education, and imagine the many possibilities ahead of them.”

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to inspiring young Papua New Guineans by showing them what’s possible. By highlighting real people in real jobs, BbP continues to make learning both relatable and exciting.

The production of the reader has been made possible through the generous support of The Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF), which is funding the printing and shipping. BbP also acknowledges Wild Dog Books for their publishing support, and Zucci Mode for creating the mini uniform worn by the student featured in the story.

BbP also extends its sincere thanks to Lae Biscuit Company, through its charity arm, The Chow Foundation, for its continued support in sponsoring the St Steven Library Learning Centre in Lae, 3 Mile, helping to provide a safe and inspiring space for children to learn and grow.

The new reader will be launched in August during National Book Week, an ideal time to celebrate stories, learning, and the power of imagination.