K92 Mining and Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) have officially strengthened their education partnership, launching a joint initiative to improve early childhood learning and adult literacy across K92 Mining’s host communities.

The enhanced partnership focuses on two core pillars: community educator training for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and the co-development of structured teaching and learning materials for K92’s Adult Literacy Program.

The initiative directly addresses needs highlighted during community consultations in Bilimoia and neighboring villages, where residents expressed a vital need for stronger early childhood learning foundations and consistent adult literacy resources.

Dulciana Somare-Brash, K92 Mining Principal for Strategic Community Investments & Social Development, emphasized that the collaboration reflects K92’s deep commitment to sustainable development.

“The partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini has enabled us to explore education opportunities across different age groups, from early childhood education through to adult literacy,” Ms. Somare-Brash said.

To launch the initiative, the BbP team alongside K92’s Community Affairs and External Relations (CAER) Department conducted community visits to Watarais in Markham on October 10, followed by Bilimoia 1 and Unantu in Kainantu on October 11, introducing BbP’s foundational learning approach to local leaders and families.

Following the visits, a intensive five-day Community Educator Training program was conducted from October 12–16, 2026. The sessions brought together 20 local participants (19 females and one male) from Bilimoia, Watarais, Unantu, and surrounding areas. The comprehensive training covered:

• Child development stages and inclusive education (including introductory sign language)

• Phonics, early literacy, and basic numeracy

• Interactive reading, storytelling, and educational games

• Lesson planning, classroom management, and child observation techniques

Buk bilong Pikinini Founder and Vice-Chair, Anne-Sophie Hermann, expressed gratitude for K92 Mining’s vital support.

“Buk bilong Pikinini is incredibly grateful to K92 Mining for the opportunity to support literacy development in remote villages, where education for children and adults is greatly needed and will have a meaningful impact," Ms. Hermann said. "We are looking forward to the collaboration to provide high-quality, localized materials in both literacy and numeracy to foster a love of reading and learning for all.”

The partnership extended into curriculum development from October 20–23 in Port Moresby, where K92’s Adult Literacy Program team collaborated with BbP to review existing frameworks and begin drafting structured, localized learning materials across all program levels.

Divanna Umpao, Program Lead for K92 Mining’s Adult Literacy Program, noted that the joint efforts combine K92's on-the-ground experience with BbP's pedagogical expertise.

“This partnership aims to develop practical, learner-centered, and culturally relevant teaching and learning materials that directly respond to the needs of our host communities,” Ms. Umpao stated.

Moving forward, K92 Mining and BbP are actively exploring opportunities to establish permanent, community-based early childhood education services in Bilimoia, Unantu, Watarais, and surrounding communities.