Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has received a generous contribution of K150,000 from the Sir Theo Foundation (STF), the charitable arm of the Constantinou Group of Companies, to deliver its Nutrition Education Training Program in the Pari and Taurama communities of the National Capital District.
The cheque was presented by Mr George Constantinou, Group Chairman and Governing Director of the Constantinou Group of Companies, BbP’s Executive Officer, Ms Leanne Resson, at the BbP 6 Mile Library Learning Centre today. The handover was witnessed by 21 BbP students, teachers, parents, at teams from BbP and STF alongside members of the media.
As a Platinum Sponsor of BbP, the Sir Theo Foundation continues to support initiatives that improve access to education and promote the health and wellbeing of children and families across Papua New Guinea.
Speaking at the presentation, Mr Constantinou reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting education and nutrition, highlighting its enthusiasm for extending nutrition education to the KTF FODE Centres in Taurama and Pari and their surrounding communities.
Mr George Constantinou, Group Chairman and Governing Director of the Constantinou Group of Companies, said: “Good nutrition is fundamental to children’s growth, development and ability to learn. Through our support for Buk bilong Pikinini, we are helping teachers and educators in Pari and Taurama gain practical skills and resources to deliver nutrition education in their communities.
“The Sir Theo Foundation is more than happy to continue supporting education and nutrition initiatives, and we are pleased to see this support expand to include nutrition education for the Kokoda Track Foundation’s FODE Centres in Taurama and Pari, as well as their surrounding communities.”
The Sir Theo Foundation also supports the Kokoda Track Foundation, including its FODE Centres in Pari and Taurama, which provide young people with opportunities to continue their education. We are pleased to support both organisations in their work to strengthen education and community wellbeing, and we hope this initiative will have a lasting impact on children and families.
The K150,000 contribution will support BbP’s Nutrition Education Team to deliver a three-day training program, in the Pari and Taurama villages. During the first two days, teachers and participants will be trained to deliver BbP’s Nutrition Education Program. And the third day will involve an open awareness for session for the communities.
The training will cover essential topics including food groups, balanced diets, foods that support learning and concentration, food hygiene, and the impact of highly processed foods on health and wellbeing. Educators will also learn how to incorporate nutrition education into lessons taught at their centres, helping students understand healthy eating and make informed food choices.
The program will also include a Nutrition Awareness Session focusing on affordable, practical nutrition at home, with cooking and healthy food demonstrations. Teachers and participants will receive nutrition resources, including books, activity guides, teaching kits, lunchboxes, water bottles and mothers’ nutrition packs. Water and handwashing facilities will also be installed at both locations to reinforce good hygiene practices.
Nutrition education is increasingly important in today's environment, where packaged snacks, sugary drinks and instant foods are becoming more common, often replacing traditional diets rich in locally available foods such as sweet potato, taro, vegetables, fish and fruit. Promoting awareness of balanced nutrition can help families make healthier food choices, support children's development and improve their ability to concentrate and engage in learning.
BbP developed its three-day Nutrition Education Training Program in 2025 to extend its nutrition approach beyond its own Library Learning Centres. By equipping local teachers and educators with practical skills and resources, the program aims to ensure nutrition education continues in communities long after the training concludes.
Ms Leanne Resson, Executive Officer of Buk bilong Pikinini, said: “Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of a child’s holistic development, enabling children to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. At Buk bilong Pikinini, nutrition education is integrated into our Early Childhood Education Program to ensure children develop healthy habits and an understanding of good nutrition from an early age. We also extend awareness sessions to parents and caregivers, empowering families with the knowledge needed to make informed nutritional choices.
“We sincerely acknowledge and thank the Sir Theo Foundation for its generous support of this important initiative. This contribution will enable Buk bilong Pikinini to expand nutrition education training and resources to wider communities, deliver parent and caregiver awareness programs, and improve sanitation facilities that promote healthier learning environments for children and families. Through this partnership, we are strengthening the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities and creating opportunities for children to thrive.”
Ms Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, said: “We thank George Constantinou, Chairman of the Sir Theo Foundation and Platinum Partner of Buk bilong Pikinini for this additional support. Providing communities with Nutrition Education training and resources will go a long way to improve children’s well-being and overall education outcomes.
“As a provider of free Early Childhood Education programs in communities across PNG, BbP is all too aware of the devastating effects malnutrition and associated stunting can have on a child’s ability to learn and retain information throughout their schooling. We are grateful to our partner for this most vital support.”
Beyond this latest contribution, the Sir Theo Foundation has supported BbP’s Port Moresby General Hospital Library Learning Centre since 2013. Located in Ward 3C of the hospital’s children’s ward, the centre provides books, educational activities and play-based learning for children admitted to the hospital, as well as children accompanying family members receiving treatment. It helps children maintain their connection to learning and provides a positive environment during what can be a challenging time for them and their families. The Foundation has also committed K49,045.68 towards the centre’s 2026 operations.
