Children at Buk bilong Pikinini’s Tatana Library Learning Centre put their classroom learning into practice through a fun and interactive Market Day held as part of Literacy Week celebrations.

The activity brought together students, teachers, parents, the Buk bilong Pikinini team and the City Pharmacy Limited Foundation to give children hands-on experience in buying, selling and managing money.

Children took on different roles as customers, cashiers, stall operators and mini restaurant chefs, giving them an opportunity to experience what it is like to operate in a real marketplace.

The CPL Foundation team, led by Foundation Manager Deborah Alois and Programs Officer Janice Ulaiwi, was joined by four City Pharmacy Graduate Program members – Jenitha Wale, Ratei Mackenzie, Filma Kila and William Jr Bandi.

The children first withdrew pretend money from a mock BSP ATM before visiting the different stalls, where they practised spending, calculating costs, collecting change and selling items as mini cashiers.

At the Restaurant Stall, children also became mini chefs, preparing and serving food and beverages with support from their parents.

The Market Day featured a variety of stalls, including a Craft Stall stocked with items provided by parents, a Stationery Stall featuring materials supplied by Buk bilong Pikinini and supporters in Australia, and a Supermarket Stall with food items donated by Sanitarium and CPL.

Children also visited the Vegetable Stall, which featured fresh produce supplied by 9 Mile Farm, Waterfront Foodworld and parents.

The Restaurant Stall was supported with food and beverages from Trukai, 9 Mile Farm, Waterfront, Ilimo and CPL Water, while parents helped prepare the meals.

The activity helped children develop practical skills in money management, decision-making, communication, counting, and teamwork in a setting designed to mirror everyday marketplace experiences.

CPL Foundation Inc. Manager Deborah Alois said the Foundation was proud to support Tatana LLC and its focus on practical learning.

“CPL Foundation is proud to support Buk bilong Pikinini’s Tatana Library Learning Centre because children are gaining knowledge and skills that go beyond the classroom.

“Activities such as the Market Day build real-world confidence and financial literacy, alongside important learning in nutrition and STEM.

“This holistic approach is why we value our partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini and remain committed to supporting Tatana LLC.”

CPL also supported Buk bilong Pikinini’s 2026 Literacy Week activities by donating 10 cartons of CPL bottled water to help provide refreshments for children, teachers, volunteers and partners throughout the week.

Buk bilong Pikinini acknowledged the CPL Foundation, a Platinum Sponsor of the organisation, for its continued support of the Tatana Library Learning Centre since 2014.

The organisation says thousands of children have benefited from the centre’s early childhood education and literacy programs over the years, with many progressing to elementary, primary, and secondary education.

The Market Day is part of Buk bilong Pikinini’s broader Literacy Week program, highlighting that literacy goes beyond reading and writing to include practical skills that help children participate confidently in everyday life.

Buk bilong Pikinini thanked the CPL Foundation, its graduate program members, parents, teachers, donors and supporters for contributing to the Market Day.