GUM Primary School in Madang Province has received a new double classroom, 80 desks and a 5,000 litre watertank through BSP Financial Group Limited’s 50 for 50 Givim Bek Initiative.
The facilities were officially handed over to the school to address the growing demand for classroom space and improve learning conditions for students.
The project was initiated by BSP Madang staff member Bernadette Massen, who has lived i in the Gum community for the past six years.
Mrs Massen said she became aware of the school’s needs after its head teacher organised a fundraising drive to complete a partially built classroom.
“What started as a fundraising drive by the parents and teachers of Gum Primary School to complete a partially built classroom has become a BSP 50for50 GivimBek Project,” she said.
She said the project was made possible through the combined efforts of BSP staff, parents and community volunteers.
BSP Group General Manager Retail Bank Ronesh Dayal, who officiated at the handover, said the project demonstrated the importance of partnerships in improving communities.
“At BSP, we believe that when we prosper, our communities should prosper too,” he said.
Ward 18 councillor Peter Sepur thanked BSP for supporting the school, saying the facilities would benefit more than 10,000 people from surrounding wards.
He said the partnership had also encouraged greater cooperation among communities, with a shared goal of improving education services and supporting children.
School head teacher Jeffrey Baisen said the school had enrolled 1,000 students this year, supported by 35 teaching staff.
He said the additional classroom was urgently needed to accommodate the growing number of students.
Mr Baisen said the classroom, built with the support of parents and volunteers, included wider blackboards and improved ventilation to provide a comfortable learning environment.
The project is among several community initiatives delivered by BSP across the country under its 50th anniversary commitment.