MEDIA RELEASE
09 August 2007
For immediate release
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION MARKS NATIONAL BOOK WEEK
The Australian High Commission today donated hundreds of bookmarks to a neighbouring school in Port Moresby as a gift to mark National Book Week in PNG.
Autralian Deputy High Commissioner, Ann Harrap, and High Commission officers, Stephen Brancatisano and Tim Paterson, handed the specially-designed, full-colour bookmarks to hundreds of pupils at Wards Strip Demonstration Elementary School with the help of the school’s Deputy Head Teacher, Mr Yana Semo.
“The Australian High Commission and Wards Strip Demonstration Elementary School share the same street in Port Moresby – we are neighbours,” said Ms Harrap.
“This simple donation to the school is a gesture of good will from one neighbour to another, in keeping with the close neighbourly relationship between our two countries.
“But most importantly, it is our way of spreading the message that reading can open up a world of wonder and learning to the children of Papua New Guinea. Learning to love books at a young age can lead to a lifelong passion for reading.”
The High Commission has in fact donated more than 22,000 bookmarks to schools right across PNG as part of National Book Week, which runs from 6-10 August.
The bookmarks, which feature attractive images and phrases about the bilateral relationship, were produced by the Australian High Commission to celebrate the many close and diverse links between Australia and PNG.
The bookmarks also symbolise the Australian Government’s support for reading, literacy and libraries.
PNG's National Library was a gift from Australia at the time of PNG's Independence. During the 30th Independence Day Celebrations, Australia donated a further K7 million to renovate the National Library.
As a close partner and friend of PNG, Australia is proud to play a role in preserving the National Library and encouraging the use of libraries and reading in general.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454