THEODIST, A Gold Sponsor of Buk bilong Pikinini, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and literacy in Papua New Guinea with an annual K50,000 contribution to Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP), helping provide essential learning and stationery resources for children across BbP’s Library Learning Centres.
The cheque was officially presented by Mr Shaun Pini, Director and Product Manager of Theodist, to Ms Leanne Resson, Executive Officer of Buk bilong Pikinini, during a special Book Week visit by BbP students to Theodist’s Print Shop in Port Moresby.
The annual contribution will go a long way towards ensuring BbP’s Library Learning Centres are stocked with essential stationery and learning materials needed for children’s learning activities throughout the year.
The cheque presentation was complemented by an engaging Book Week excursion for students from BbP’s Koki Library Learning Centre, giving the children an opportunity to experience first-hand another important part of the education and publishing journey — printing.
The students were introduced to the profession of Graphic Design, meeting Theodist’s Print Shop team and learning how ideas and designs are transformed into brochures, booklets, banners, signage and other printed materials. They were also given a behind-the-scenes look at the Print Shop’s large printing and brochure folding machines, something many of the young visitors were seeing for the very first time.
The experience was particularly special as it connected with BbP’s 2023 career reader, “When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Graphic Designer,” which featured Theodist Graphic Designer Ms Polen Ikunti.
The reader was published with support from the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and Wild Dog Books, including support towards its printing, and forms part of BbP’s collection of early career readers designed to introduce young children to different professions and inspire them to dream about their future.
Theodist’s support extends beyond its annual financial contribution. BbP is also grateful for the organisation’s longstanding partnership, including regularly hosting BbP Founder Anne-Sophie Hermann during her quarterly visits to
Papua New Guinea and supporting BbP fundraising initiatives such as the BbP Charity Golf Tournament and Theodist’s charity carpark sausage sizzles.
Mr Shaun Pini, emphasized in his remarks, “It is a privilege for Theodist to continue supporting Buk Bilong Pikinini and the tremendous work they do to improve literacy and early childhood education throughout Papua New Guinea. Our partnership with Buk Bilong Pikinini now spans more than a decade, and we are very proud of that relationship. Over the years, we have supported Buk Bilong Pikinini through sponsorship, fundraising activities, and educational resources and we have seen the positive impact their programs are having on children and communities across our country. At Theodist, we believe strongly in supporting the communities in which we operate. And there are few investments more important than investing in the education of our children. And today, we are very pleased to continue that commitment by presenting Buk Bilong Pikinini with a cheque for K50,000.”
Ms Leanne Resson’s remarks stated “Theodist has been a long-term valued partner of BbP since its early times. We are grateful for the ongoing support that we receive from Theodist annually. This support goes towards purchasing quality stationery and cleaning supplies for all our early learning centres, head office and storage facilities.
Stationery supports the foundation of learning, giving children the tools to express themselves, build confidence,
and actively participate in class. Without access to basic supplies, many students face barriers to engagement and creativity. The support also means that the teachers are able to create a conducive learning environment for the children. With the implementation of the Nutrition Education Program across all our early learning centres, the consistent supply of cleaning products is important and appreciated by the teachers, children and parents. We are also grateful for the reseller partnership of Buk bilong Pikinini’s published books.”
For BbP, the cheque presentation and Book Week excursion together demonstrate the powerful role that corporate partnerships can play in supporting literacy and creating meaningful learning opportunities for children.
Support for education is an investment in the future of our children and our country. BbP is incredibly grateful to Theodist for not only contributing financially to its Library Learning Centres, but also opening its doors to its students and giving them the opportunity to see, experience and learn about different career pathways. The visit gave the children more than just a glimpse into a Print Shop. It showed them that the books they read, the designs they create and the ideas they imagine can all connect to real people, real professions and real possibilities.
BbP sincerely thanks Theodist, Mr Shaun Pini, Ms Polen Ikunti and the entire Theodist team for their continued commitment to supporting education, literacy and the development of Papua New Guinea’s young learners.