Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) celebrated the graduation of 86 young learners from its Lae Unitech Library Learning Centre (LLC) on Friday, marked by the launch of BbP’s first Financial Literacy Guide to help children understand PNG’s Kina and Toea, the importance of saving, and basic money skills.

The event was supported by Bank South Pacific (BSP) and featured the first visit by BSP Group CEO, Mr. Mark Robinson, to a BbP Library Learning Centre.

He was joined by BSP Chairman Mr. Robert Bradshaw, BSP Director Mr. Frank Bourage, and the BSP team.

The guide was launched through a creative demonstration where teachers set up a mini pretend bank and students role-played as young bankers.

BbP Founder and Vice Chair, Ms. Anne-Sophie Hermann, thanked BSP for its long-standing support since 2013 and highlighted BbP’s holistic learning approach, which includes literacy, numeracy, financial education, digital learning, and nutritional awareness.

Students also shared their career ambitions—ranging from engineers to pilots and bankers—with Ms. Hermann noting that future BSP professionals may come from BbP’s classrooms.

Mr. Robinson encouraged the graduates to work toward their dreams, stressing that literacy is the foundation of professional success. Mr. Bradshaw added that BSP is proud to support early learning and remains committed to the partnership.

The ceremony featured cultural performances by Oro dancers and an inspiring speech from Miss Alucia Alusi, a former BbP student now in Grade 9 at Bumayong Lutheran Secondary School, who shared her journey and goal of studying computer science.

Each graduate received a Piggy Bank and a copy of the new Financial Literacy Guide. BSP’s Lae Top Town Branch, led by Team Lead Maimu Bae, set up a booth to help parents open savings accounts and learn about financial services.

BbP acknowledged BSP, the PNG University of Technology, and all families, teachers, and supporters who continue to champion early childhood education in Papua New Guinea.