EDUCATION
ON April 8, Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) marked 19 years of giving children across the country the gift of reading, learning and the confidence to succeed in school and in life.
It all began in 2007 when Anne-Sophie Hermann, wife of the then Australian High Commissioner Chris Moraitis, noticed a simple truth: Children in PNG had very limited to no access to public or school libraries, and too few opportunities to fall in love with learning.
Inspired to make a difference, she, with the assistance from the Port Moresby General Hospital administration and kind-hearted volunteers created the first library learning centre (LLC) in a tiny corner of one of the pediatric wards for children admitted in the hospital. From that small space filled with just a few books and big dreams, a movement was born.
Today, Anne-Sophie continues to serve as vice chairwoman of the BbP board of directors and is deeply involved in the daily running of the organisation and its programmes.
Since its inception, BbP has grown to 25 LLCs across the country, reaching over 16,000 children with a holistic early childhood education programme. Children who complete BbP’s one-year programme leave as confident readers, ready to enter mainstream schools, literate, curious, and capable. Many BbP graduates excel in school, many skipping grades and earning top marks.
BbP’s curriculum combines literacy, numeracy, Stem, inclusive education, digital learning and nutrition education, providing children with a strong foundation and confidence to explore the world.
Beyond students, BbP trains teachers, publishes PNG content books for children, and runs its school library re-establishment programme, delivering library resources to community schools nationwide.
Meet the leaders behind BbP.
Anne-Sophie Hermann – Founder and vice chairwoman
Anne-Sophie founded BbP in 2007, driven by her belief that every child deserves access to learning. From starting the first LLC in a corner of the hospital pediatric ward, she has grown BbP into a national organisation while remaining deeply involved in its daily operations.
“Seeing five-year-old children confidently read, speak, confidently engage on a number of different subjects such as learning math, sign language, using tablets for our digital learning program and partaking in nutrition education programme is something we as a team are incredibly proud of,” said Hermann.
“And it is also very rewarding to listen to the dreams they have for their future and what they want to be when they grow up.
“Children’s education is the most worthwhile investment a country can make. I am grateful for all the support we have received from our donors and partners to make our programmes, services and resources available for the children and communities we serve. I thank our board of directors for their guidance, our team and volunteers for their hard work.
We are looking forward to be celebrating many more milestones and working to make our programs and services available to many more children in the coming years”.
Bronwyn Wright – Chairwoman, BbP Board and CEO, Sir Brian Bell Foundation
Wright brings decades of experience in leadership and philanthropy. As CEO of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, she has guided BbP through significant growth, ensuring the organisation has the resources and partnerships needed to expand its reach.
Her vision has been crucial in making BbP a trusted name in children’s literacy and education.
“As chair of the Buk Bilong Pikinini and on behalf of the BbP board of directors, we are incredibly proud to celebrate 19 years of impact and achievements by the organisation,” Wright said.
“This milestone reflects the dedication, passion and unwavering commitment of the entire team to improving access to quality education for children across Papua New Guinea.
“Also, on behalf of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, we are honoured to stand alongside BbP as a long-standing partner, supporting initiatives that create meaningful, inclusive opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive. We look forward to continuing this important journey together for many years to come.”
Leanne Resson – Executive officer
Leanne began her journey at BbP as a teacher librarian at BbP’s second LLC at Lawes Road in Port Moresby. Her mother, Elizabeth Resson, was the first teacher-librarian at the original Port Moresby General Hospital LLC.
Resson helped develop BbP’s early childhood education curriculum and rose through the ranks to become executive officer. Her long-term dedication has been instrumental in shaping BbP’s programs and impact.
Resson said, “it truly is such a rewarding yet humbling experience, working with a team, past and present that has contributed to the success of BbP.
“The shared passion is mirrored in the quality of the programs and services we deliver. I would like to take this time to thank Anne-Sophie for her mentorship and the BbP’s board of directors for their constant guidance. I am also grateful to our donors and partners who continue to support our mission and vision.
“A child who has learnt how to read and write, a teacher who has access to quality teaching resources, and a school equipped with quality books is a great achievement for everyone. We look forward to celebrating more milestones as we continue to serve the communities we work in,” Resson said.
