LITTLE LEARNERS, SAVING MONEY LESSONS: BBP AND BSP BRING FINANCIAL LITERACY TO LIFE

What animal is on the K1 coin? How many of that animal are on the K1 coin? Who is the man on the K50 note? And why should we save?

These were some of the questions young learners explored as Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) and its long-standing Platinum Donor, Bank South Pacific (BSP) Limited, brought the world of money to life through a fun and interactive financial literacy activity on Wednesday, 09th September. The General Manager for BSP’s Corporate Affairs and Community, Ms Hari Rabura and Mr Leslie Babaga, Manager Sponsorship & Events, Corporate Affairs & Community, were in attendance at BbP’s UPNG Library Learning Centre to participate with the students in their activities.

The activity was a special feature of BbP’s 2026 Literacy Week celebrations, running from 07th–11th September, and introduced children to simple financial literacy concepts in a way that was engaging, practical and appropriate for early learners.

BbP’s programs officers and BSP Sales representative led by Mr Craig Armstrong, Regional Manager for Retail Capability and Change, and BbP’s teachers guided students through activities focused on recognising Papua New Guinea unique notes and coins, discovering the animals, people and traditional items featured on the nation’s currency, understanding the importance of saving, and learning the difference between “needs” and “wants.”

For BbP and BSP, the activity was about more than recognizing money. It was about helping children begin to develop positive financial habits from an early age. Financial literacy is an important life skill, yet many children do not have regular opportunities to learn basic concepts such as saving, budgeting, needs and wants, and responsible use of money at home or in the classroom.

By introducing these concepts during the early years, children can begin building a foundation of knowledge that they can carry with them as they grow.

To further support this learning, BbP has developed and published a Financial Literacy Guide booklet specifically for early learners and elementary to primary school students, with BSP providing support towards its printing. The colourful and child-friendly resource allows students to continue learning about basic financial concepts through simple activities and age-appropriate content.

BSP’s support for BbP is built on a long-standing partnership that dates back to 2012. Over the years, BSP has continued to invest in early childhood education and literacy, including supporting three (3) of BbP’s Library Learning Centres across Papua New Guinea. These include Library Learning Centres at Lae Unitech Campus, University of Goroka Campus and Lorengau in Manus, helping provide thousands of children in these communities with access to early childhood education, books, literacy resources and a safe space to learn.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to giving Papua New Guinean children a stronger start in life through education and practical learning opportunities.

The partnership also extended beyond the classroom, with BSP’s Retail Team on hand at the event today to assist parents with opening bank accounts for their children, providing families with an opportunity to take the first step towards developing a culture of saving.

Ms Hari Rabura in her remarks said, “Financial literacy is about more than money. It is about developing discipline, responsibility, positive habits, and the confidence to make informed decisions that create opportunities for the future. By equipping children with the knowledge and skills to manage money wisely, we are investing in their long-term success and empowering them to build brighter futures.

Through BSP’s longstanding partnership with BbP since 2012, we support financial literacy education through three Library Learning Centres. These centres provide children, some as young as five years old, with valuable lessons on earning, budgeting, saving, and planning for their goals.”

BbP Founder and Vice Chair, Anne-Sophie Hermann, highlighted the importance of giving children practical knowledge alongside their early literacy and numeracy skills.

“Learning to manage money from a young age is a vital life skill. Thanks to the support of BSP Financial Group Limited, we help children build a foundation for responsible financial behaviour through play-based learning activities and through the educational guide booklet we provide to the children and families.”

The financial literacy activity reflects BbP’s broader approach to early childhood education, where children are encouraged to learn through play, participation, stories and real-life experiences.

Through its enduring partnership with BSP, Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) is helping make financial literacy something children can start exploring early, because it is never too soon to learn that a little saving today can help build a bigger tomorrow.