Newcrest Lihir operation in the Namatanai district of New Ireland province has recently established a library to empower its employees, business partners and local communities to improve their literacy and comprehension. This supports Newcrest’s commitment in developing highly capable people who can then work to their full potential at their homes, communities, and workplaces.
The library is a product of a joint effort between Newcrest Lihir’s Work Ready Institute (WRI) and Teresa Jetson, wife of Craig Jetson (Newcrest’s Executive General Manager for Lihir & Cadia).
Literacy is a major determinant of success at all levels of education and for personal, social and work outcomes. Literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write – it is also about the ability to listen and effectively express one’s opinions, and fully comprehend ideas and opinions during discussions.
The operation had invited Jetson to launch the Kisim Save library recently, as a gesture of appreciation for her major contribution through the donation of books. (Kisim Save means to gain knowledge in Tok Pisin).
“The more you read, you will be able to relate to the concept in which words are used. You become a better writer and speaker as your vocabulary increases and improves. This library is a foundation. On this foundation, you can build yourself up to reach that goal or aspiration that you dream about,” Jetson said.
“Literacy is a skill that is learnt. To comprehend or understand anything in the workplace, you must continuously improve your literacy. This library provides the bridge and the opportunity for our people and our communities to improve their literacy levels,” said WRI Coordinator Lynna Joel.
WRI conducts work-ready training sessions for its trainees to prepare them for any employment opportunity in the country. Trainees learn the different aspects of workplace literacy, the need for it and how it differs from general literacy and identify the literacy skills needed for the workplace. The Institute also extends these training sessions to trainees under Lihir’s Graduate Development program.
Source: Newcrest Mining Limited – Lihir
