Oil Search Foundation is providing the beginnings of a library for the young students of Wabia Village in Hela Province
A school without books is like a house without windows, or a car that is missing a wheel.
That’s why OSF is so proud to have provided the beginnings of a library for the young students of Taparapa Early Childhood School in Wabia Village in Hela Province
An initiative of the local Catholic Church that will soon enter its third year, the remote little school in earthquake-ravaged Hela Province has been making do without a single book since the day it began.
But now its three teachers and 160 students will be able to dip into the works of Dr Seuss himself – not to mention books featuring Winnie the Pooh, Spot, assorted Mr Men as well as books by local PNG authors.
“It’s impossible to overstate just how important it is to foster a love of words from an early age,” said OSF Program Officer, Maria Peter. The driving force behind the book donation, she presented them at a ceremony attended by community members, teachers, church pastors and Father Immanuel, the catholic priest.
“Study after study shows that the single best way to ensure a child’s educational success is to expose them to books early and often. The simple fact is that growing minds need to be fed, and there’s no better way to do that than a book.”
“Take a look at the research. Literacy development in early children is correlated with success in just about all walks of life. And on a broader level, widespread literacy will always be a boon for the economy and give women more and better tools which to improve their lives.”
“Book reading is absolutely the key to success,” agreed the school’s chairman Alben Bosco.
“There’s absolutely no doubt that education improves well-being, not just around here but all over the nation. In 20 years’, time, we want to see a local literacy rate of 70% – and, when I see community members getter together and show support like this, I feel no doubt whatsoever that that this goal is achievable.”
“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
