Buk bilong Pikinini has received more than K50,000 from the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program to fund hygiene, nutrition and safety upgrades at the St Steven Library Learning Centre and St Steven Elementary School in Lae, benefiting children, teachers and families in the Miles community.

The grant was announced on December 11th by Australian Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, and formally presented during the St Steven Library Learning Centre graduation ceremony earlier this month. The funding supports essential infrastructure improvements aimed at strengthening learning conditions and student wellbeing.

Upgrades include the installation of a new water tank and communal sink to improve access to clean water, hygiene resources to promote healthy school environments, and solar lighting to enhance safety across the school and parish grounds. The project also includes training and teaching materials for Buk bilong Pikinini’s Nutrition Education Program for both teachers and students. 

Mr. Kanowski said the initiative reflects Australia’s focus on education-based partnerships. “Strong local partnerships are at the heart of Australia’s support in Papua New Guinea,” he said, explaining that investments in school infrastructure help create safe and engaging learning spaces for children to grow and succeed.

Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, Anne-Sophie Hermann, said the project will help address health and nutrition challenges facing PNG children. She explained that improved hygiene facilities and nutrition education will reduce illness-related absences and support better learning outcomes in a country where malnutrition remains a major concern.

The graduation ceremony also celebrated 90 students completing the program, highlighting the impact of community partnerships on early education. Buk bilong Pikinini says implementation of the upgrades will continue into next year, as partners work together to further strengthen learning environments in Lae.