Buk bilong Pikinini and Lightspeed PNG Partner to Strengthen Digital Learning for Children Across Papua New Guinea

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) today officially announced a new partnership with Lightspeed PNG, which has come on board as one of the organisation's Digital Learning Partners, supporting improved internet connectivity across BbP's Library Learning Centres (LLCs) throughout Papua New Guinea. The partnership marks an important step forward in strengthening digital learning opportunities for children and teachers within BbP's Early Childhood Education (ECE) program.

As a local non-government organisation, BbP specialises in early childhood education through the establishment and operation of Library Learning Centres in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka and Manus. BbP delivers a holistic curriculum that incorporates literacy, numeracy, inclusive education, nutrition education and digital learning, ensuring children receive a well-rounded foundation for lifelong learning.

Since the introduction of its Digital Learning Program in 2021, BbP has integrated technology into its classrooms through the use of tablets loaded with the custom-designed BbP App. Developed by BbP's Digital Learning Team, the app provides children with access to literacy and numeracy games, phonics videos, sign language resources, e-books and Twinnies programs, creating engaging and interactive learning experiences. Importantly, all content available through the app has been developed in-house by BbP’s Digital Learning team and has been specifically designed for Papua New Guinean children, ensuring a safe learning environment while reflecting local contexts, cultures and learning needs.

Through Lightspeed PNG's support, sixteen (16) of BbP's LLCs will now benefit from improved, reliable and safe internet connectivity. The partnership will not only enhance children's digital learning experiences but will also enable teachers to access secure internet services for communication with BbP's Head Office, online educational research and professional learning.

To mark the official announcement, representatives from Lightspeed PNG visited BbP's 9 Mile LLC in Port Moresby, the first BbP centre to receive internet connectivity through the partnership.

Representing Lightspeed PNG at the event were Sales Manager, Mr Stanislaus Yurus, and Support Services Coordinator, Ms Kesa Pepe. During the event, Mr Yurus expressed Lightspeed's pride in supporting the work of Buk Bilong Pikinini and contributing to communities in need through improved access to digital learning opportunities.

Lightspeed PNG Chief Executive Officer, Mr Richard Broadbridge, also shared his support for the partnership. "At Lightspeed PNG, we believe access to the internet is more than connectivity — it is access to education, opportunity, and a brighter future. We are proud to support Buk Bilong Pikinini libraries by providing free internet services that help create inclusive learning environments and empower children through knowledge and digital access. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting communities and investing in the next generation of Papua New Guinea. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will create for students, families and educators."

Speaking on behalf of BbP, PR and Marketing Team Lead Mary Sawa thanked Lightspeed PNG for its commitment to supporting education and children across Papua New Guinea.

"We are incredibly grateful to Lightspeed PNG for recognizing the importance of digital learning and for supporting our efforts to ensure children have access to modern educational resources. This partnership will strengthen our Digital Learning Program and provide our teachers with the connectivity they need to effectively support student learning and carry out their work online. At BbP, we place great importance on ensuring children learn in safe, culturally relevant environments. The digital content our students access has been developed by our own team specifically for PNG children, and this support from Lightspeed will help us deliver that content more effectively to children and communities across the country."

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), previously signed by the CEOs of both organisations, was formally exchanged during the event. Mr Stanislaus Yurus represented Lightspeed PNG, while BbP was represented by Mr Richard Bridger, IT and Digital Learning Team Lead. The handover was witnessed by enthusiastic students and teachers from the 9 Mile LLC, highlighting the positive impact the partnership will have on learning communities.

Through this collaboration, both organisations reaffirm their shared commitment to empowering children through education and ensuring that technology can be used safely and effectively to support learning outcomes throughout the country. By combining reliable connectivity with locally developed, culturally appropriate learning content, the partnership will help more children access the tools they need to learn, grow and thrive in an increasingly digital world.