ISLANDS’ TIME

Today we bring you photos from Tiana Reimann of The Bucket of Love Foundation PNG who has been doing some great deliveries of books donated by Books 4 PNG Kids to remote schools in West New Britain.

And we also say Many Happy Returns to dedicated Books 4 PNG Kids volunteer Marie, who celebrated her birthday last week. Marie has a heart for PNG, having lived and raised her family there, and we couldn’t do what we do without her support and that of other volunteers who each week sort and pack books to send to PNG schools like this pictured.

Island schools such as Kapuluk Primary and Guhi Elementary in Kove-Kaliai Rural LLG, Kandrian-Gloucester District, are difficult to reach without a boat, but thanks to BAIA Sportfishing PNG and others, Tiana has delivered hundreds of books from Books 4 PNG Kids.

The books will provide a firm foundation for the students’ education and help boost literacy rates in a province where only about two-thirds of pupils who start school continue their education to complete year 8, according to 2019 figures (www.pngnri.org).

The exciting news is that Kapuluk Primary School will soon cater for high school students up to grade 12, Tiana says, extending its classes from its current enrolment of 200 pupils in grades 3-8.

“There aren't many schools in this region that can cater to high school students, so it will be a huge milestone for the Kove region,” she says.

“A BIG thank you must go to our ongoing supporters from Books 4 PNG Kids for the abundance of reading books that will help improve literacy rates in PNG.

“In partnership with BAIA Sportfishing PNG, who generously assist with sea transportation, The Bucket of Love Foundation PNG is honored to deliver vital educational, sporting, and medical resources to communities that have gone without assistance for decades.”

About 25 local languages are spoken in WNB. Challenging terrain and lack of infrastructure affect school attendance and delivery of resources to remote schools.

Our thanks also to Maureen Thom in Kimbe for her ongoing support for Books 4 PNG Kids.