Elementary schools receive story book packs

CHILDREN at an elementary school in Jiwaka celebrated National Book Week with new books which promote literacy and numeracy as well as gender and social inclusion.
The book packs were distributed to Mangana and Kudjip Tea elementary schools by the Australian High Commission last Tuesday and contained 70 different stories and illustrations by Papua New Guinean authors, some featuring girls and children with disabilities as the main characters.
Supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership, the Pikinini Kisim Save initiative contributes to the Government’s national education plan which aims to improve elementary literacy and numeracy skills and to promote inclusive education.
Minister counsellor at the Australian High Commission Andrew Egan joined national and provincial education officials as part of National Book Week celebrations at the school and said inclusive stories played a vital role in the growth and development of children.
“Australia is proud to partner with PNG to improve access to quality and inclusive learning materials for children, especially those in remote communities,” he said.
“Books featuring stories about Papua New Guinean girls and children with disabilities help young children to understand the diversity of the world around them, while also providing fun ways to practice their reading skills.”
Mangana and Kudjip Tea are the first of 66 elementary schools in Jiwaka to receive the books.
Egan said a total of 479 elementary schools in four provinces would receive over 33,000 books (including Jiwaka, Chimbu, Western Highlands and West New Britain).
More than 40,000 students would gain access to the reading materials to help increase their literacy skills.
The distribution of books is part of the Pikinini Kisim Save programme which is coordinated by CARE Australia with the support of the Australian government to improve access to quality elementary education in remote and disadvantaged communities.