The foundation said that the 2016 book drive included cash donations resulting in the purchase of 16 cartons of books to mark the annual National Book Week celebrations.

 

The boxes contain up to 50 books each and were bought from Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) with funds raised by employees from the Sydney and Port Moresby offices.

 

"Giving children the opportunity to explore books at an early age can make a real positive impact on children's development," said foundation deputy director Kymberley Kepore.

 

"Learning how to read gives them access to the right doors so they can then be empowered to make right choices in their education, with their health and their lives."

 

The books are being distributed to 11 schools in the Gulf and Southern Highlands provinces as part of Oil Search's ongoing commitment to promote early childhood literacy in keeping with the theme of ‘libraries for nation building'.

 

Eleven boxes of books were sent out in late July, with four going to Kikori and seven to Kutubu. The schools include the Kikori SDA Early Childhood School, Kikori, Irimigu and Vera Bari elementary schools in the Gulf Province, and Pimaga, Nipa, Paua, Inu, Bagaule, Waro and Orokana elementary schools in the Southern Highlands Province.

 

Irimuku Elementary School head teacher Josephine Haru said she was very thankful for the donation.