Bougainville communities receive new libraries

Five communities in Bougainville recently celebrated the opening of new school libraries.
Nicole Smith, second-secretary, Bougainville programme, with the Australian High Commission, handed over keys for the Kepesia Primary School library to principal Marvin Naru.
Principals of Kavaranou, Kekesu, Mungkala and Sipuru primary schools also received their keys,
Smith said Bougainville remained a development priority for Australia, with education one of the important sectors.
“Our education programme support is to all levels,” she said.
“We are proud to work in partnership to raise standards in Bougainville.
“Libraries are important assets to have in a school as they support literacy and foster a love for learning.”
The library project was delivered through the tripartite partnership of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Bougainville’s department of education and Digicel PNG Foundation (DPNGF).
DPNGF chief executive Beatrice Mahuru was proud of the first public-private partnership with DFAT, in collaboration with the Bougainville government, to build classrooms and libraries.
“DPNGF is motivated by the desire to establish a level playing field for our rural students,” she said.
“When you look at human development indicators showing that only 64 per cent of PNG’s total population is functionally literate, there is much to be done to raise our standards.
“This partnership is part of those efforts to bridge that gap.
“This library holds books and resources, bringing our rural students to a world of inspiration.”
The libraries cost K165,000 each and include solar lighting, tables, seating benches, book shelves, books, librarians’ desks, chairs and computers.