Firm donates library books to girls school

 A struggling girls’ secondary school in Namatanai, New Ireland, has received new books to boost its library collection.

The presentation to Madina Secondary School on Tuesday was made possible by Nautilus Minerals, developer of the seabed mining project in Namatanai.

Corporate social responsibility coordinator Sally Brough and chief executive officer and president of Nautilus Minerals Michael Johnston presented the books in front of students and teachers.

Deputy principal administration Lucy Mohe expressed gratitude for the delivery.

She urged the mining developer to consider similar help in other areas.

Mohe said the books were a boost for the school. 

“We are delighted to have received these brand new reading and reference material,” Mohe said. 

“Madina Secondary is more than 50 years old but the facilities we have to educate our young women have deteriorated over the years to an extent where most cannot be used anymore.

“Such help from companies like Nautilus Minerals will go a long way in boosting the learning of these young women.” 

Teaching staff Kingsley Niali said the books “are a blessing for us”.

“Books are the most important part of the learning process and we hope that our girls here at the school will put their heads down and do more reading,” he said.

Niali said the rate of reading among students in general had declined dramatically.

He said that was because of the introduction of mobile phones.