Programme celebrates day with new book

By SHARON TANDA
THE Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) programme has launched a book titled Our Special Stories, disability and ability stories told by children of PNG to celebrate World Book Day and also its special needs students.
It is funded by Sydney-based non-government organisation that supports inclusive learning for children with disabilities, Mary Mackillop Today.
This is BbP’s second publication regarding disabilities and contains stories of 10 PNG children living with a disability. It also embraces their abilities.
These 10 children are from BbP’s two inclusive learning centres for children with disabilities; the Callan Inclusive learning Centre in Vanimo and Red Cross Special Needs education centre in Hohola, Port Moresby.
According to the BbP programme team manager Leanne Resson, not only was this an awareness for students living with disabilities but it also highlighted their abilities, and interests so that other children and people could learn about them.
“This is an inclusive publication on our students and is also an advocacy to ensure that they are respected and acknowledged both for their disabilities and abilities,” she said.
“These children should not be defined by the things they cannot do, but should be seen as equals and that they are able to do normal things as well.”
Present for the launching were two speech and hearing impaired students who were featured in the book and were introduced by their interpreter as Janet Thomas and Trevor Raka.
Also present was PNG Hunters captain Ase Boas along with some teammates.