Australia provides books for Torokina schools

Australia has provided 5000 books for primary schools in the remote Torokina District in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to help improve literacy in the area.

The books were delivered to the libraries of 12 schools in the district, including Torokina, Kawai, Atsinima and Tsitovi Primary Schools.

The assistance from Australia’s Direct Aid Program responds to a request from the Torokina District for school resources.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, said: “I am delighted to partner with the district administration to provide these resources for hard working teachers to help improve literacy,” Ms Stokes said.

Primary Schools Standards Officer Luke Pamsi said: “These library books are a much needed resource. They will definitely improve literacy levels in primary schools, creating a good foundation for further studies.”

The books were purchased from Buk Bilong Pikinini, a charity which works to establish children's libraries in PNG and foster a love of reading and learning.

Improving access to and the quality of basic education is a focus of Australia’s development partnership with PNG. Australia is assisting the PNG Government to build more than 1000 classrooms in rural and remote areas across PNG, including in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.