By GEORGINA MICHAEL
The United States State Department, through the Asia Foundation, has funded the distribution of children’s books to 10 communities in the National Capital District and Central Province.
This follows a celebration of literacy at the Let’s Read a Book and Read Aloud Events at the Tutu Beach Community Learning & Development Centre at Taurama, NCD.
The vibrant celebration was joined by the U.S. Ambassador H.E Ann Marie Yastishock, community leaders, parents students and local partners who then launched the children’s books and present new books to ten community organizations, that will empower young readers and support education across the National Capital District and Central Province.
The event featured interactive read-aloud sessions, inspiring stories, and a shared commitment to expanding learning opportunities for children and families.
Ward Councilors representing Gwarumemase Bootless Bay, Pari Taurama, Pari Taoata, and Hiri East Women, children and community members participated in interactive read-aloud sessions, showcasing the donated books and fostering a love of reading.
US Ambassador Yastishock also took part in the interactive reading a loud sessions and appreciated the community to be part of the program.
“Thank you to the parents and community leaders for supporting this event. These books will be loved for years to come, helping children to become principled, engaged, and responsible members of your communities who uphold the values you hold most dear, such as the freedom of religion and the freedom to practice one’s faith,” Ambassador Yastishock said.
Community leaders, teachers, parents, students and the Kidu family were all exited to be part of the event and were thankful for the opportunity given, saying these sort of initiatives would also help children learn a lot and take them off the screens and social media platforms.
They said this would help young learners to read and know more about their own country as well as the region. This is also be a good opportunity for our local authors to write more about our country and its shared values.
The 10 organizations and communities receiving book donations included, Tutu Early Learning Centre (ELC), Ginigoada Foundation, Digicel Foundation, UNDP GEF Projects/CEPA – Protected Areas Network, Business and Professional Women (BPW) – Projects Team, Vabukori Community Centre Representative (including Buk Bilong Pikinini centre).
The books were written by PNG and Pacific Islands authors, which emphasized shared values and story-telling to motivate young readers and encourage a love of reading.
Over 12,000 books will be distributed to schools and community partners across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu, and is translated into languages spoken across the region.
This initiative brings together Pacific communities, local creatives, and community partners.
Let’s Read supports broader goals of improving early learning, nurturing cultural understanding, and expanding access to children’s literature created by and for Pacific communities.