Group offers early childhood learning

By AGNES FIFI UKI
THE Buk Bilong Pikinini Organisation develops early-childhood learning by setting basic foundation for children  aged 5-10 years to pave the way for their progress, Vagi Kariko says.
Minister for Sports and Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko visited the Buk Bilong Pikinini at Koki Library in Port Moresby yesterday and spoke with a number of the 70 children aged 5-7.
He asked what their favourite sport was?
Most said rugby while others preferred soccer, netball, volleyball, cricket, basketball and others.
Assistant librarian and a teacher, Vagi Kariko, said  children were able to read and pronounce long words using phonics. The kids did not pay any fees to attend and all materials are provided by Buk Bilong Pikinini.
“You kids here are the future sportsmen and women of this country as you have your own favourite sports. Study hard and always listen to your teachers, be smart and have your dreams started,” Tkatchenko said.
“I will launch a new education programme next Thursday for the Port Moresby South School dropout students called ‘What’s your dream?’ to help them pursue in their dreams and develop their careers,” he said.
As the Buk Bilong Pikinini also conducted adult literacy classes in the library due to limited classrooms, Tkatchenko handed over a building and a shed at the Koki market previously used by the Ginigoada early childhood learners to the Buk Bilong Pikinini to use.
He said he would provide funds for the buildings to be renovated before the Buk Bilong Pikinini moved in.
The minister said the Pikinini was funded by individual donors and it should be helped as it was working well without government funding.