Over K50,000 Australian Grant to Fund a Hygiene and Nutrition upgrade at Buk bilong Pikinini’s St Steven Library Learning Centre, Lae.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) was honoured to receive a grant of more than K50,000 from the Australian Government, through their Direct Aid Program (DAP). The announcement was made by the Australian Consulate-General in Lae, Mr Brenton Kanowski, to support essential infrastructure upgrades and learning enhancements at the St Steven Library Learning Centre (LLC) and St Steven Elementary School.

The grant was formally announcedduring the St Steven LLC Graduation Ceremony on Friday 05th December. BbP expresses its sincere appreciation to the Australian Government, the Direct Aid Program, and Mr Kanowski for this critical investment, which will directly benefit children, teachers, and families in the Lae Miles community.

The over K50,000 grant will support:
• Installation of a new water tank and communal sink to improve children’s access to clean water and sanitation.
• Provision of hygiene resources to strengthen healthy learning environments.
• Installation of solar lights to enhance safety and security on the school and parish grounds.
• Training and teaching materials for BbP’s Nutrition Education Program to be provided to all teachers and students at St Steven Elementary School.

Buk bilong Pikinini is grateful to the Chow Foundation and its CEO, Mr John Chow, who sponsors a Buk bilong Pikinini Library Learning Centre at the school, for their support to instal the water and sanitation infrastructure and related works next year. Their partnership ensures that the upgrades are delivered effectively and sustainably for the benefit of the children.

Mr Kanowski emphasised Australia’s commitment to education-focused community partnerships, stating, “Strong local partnerships are at the heart of Australia’s support in Papua New Guinea. We are pleased to work with Buk bilong Pikinini and St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School to strengthen learning environments in Lae. These investments in school infrastructure and resources help create safe, engaging spaces where children can learn and grow.”

Mr John Chow, CEO of the Chow Foundation, acknowledged Mr Kanowski’s continued support at the St Steven LLC graduation, stating, “Thank you Mr Kanowski for your presence and for the continued support the Australian Government provides toward education and community development in Papua New Guinea. Your partnership strengthens the work we do for our children.”

Ms Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder & Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini said: “We are greatly looking forward to delivering this combined health and hygiene project for the school. Through the installing of the water tank, sink and solar lights we will be helping the children to normalize healthy hand hygiene practices from a young age, which will help them to stay healthy and miss fewer days at school. This paired with our Nutrition Education Program, will ensure that both teachers and students understand the importance of a healthy diet with lots of PNG fruit and vegetables for to improve learning outcomes. PNG’s children are currently faced with high levels of malnutrition which is preventing them from reaching their full potential. We are grateful to the Australian Government for their support for this project.”

The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 90 children, who proudly presented songs, recitations, and classroom work to guests and families.

Buk bilong Pikinini extends its gratitude to the Australian Government, the Direct Aid Program, Mr Brenton Kanowski, the Chow Foundation, Mr John Chow, Lae Biscuit Company, St Steven Parish and parish priest Father Christubabu Chamallamudi, teachers, parents, and community partners for their continued commitment to strengthening early learning outcomes in Lae.