THE Australian Government has launched the Bougainville School Recovery Support and Breakfast Initiative in Buka to help schools recover from the impacts of Cyclone Maila while improving student health and learning outcomes.
The initiative was launched by the Australian High Commission alongside the Bougainville Department of Education, Bougainville State of Emergency officials, church and school leaders, parents, and community representatives.
Funded by the Australian Government and delivered through the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program, the package will support up to 40 cyclone-affected primary schools by funding repairs to classrooms and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
Schools will also receive teaching and learning materials, while parents, teachers, school Boards of Management and students affected by the cyclone will benefit from training and counselling services to support their recovery.
As part of the initiative, early-grade students in primary schools across Buin, South Bougainville, will receive breakfast packs to help improve nutrition and classroom participation. Parents and caregivers will also take part in awareness sessions on planning nutritious meals for their children.
The program complements the Bougainville Department of Education’s efforts to promote good nutrition and regular meals for school children while ensuring all students have access to inclusive and quality education.
Bougainville Department of Education Secretary Dorothy Kenneth thanked Australia for its continued support.
“We would like to thank Australia for responding to the recovery efforts of Bougainville. The School Recovery Support and Breakfast Initiative will support continued recovery efforts and help students come to school nourished, focused and ready to participate,” Ms Kenneth said.
“Together, we can help ensure that Bougainville’s children return to safe, supportive learning environments and continue their education with confidence and resilience.”
The Australian Government said the initiative forms part of its broader support for Bougainville’s recovery following Cyclone Maila and reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening education, student wellbeing and resilient school communities.