National Book week is celebrated annually by the Ministry of Education and organised and coordinated by the Office of the Library and Archives.
The Secretary of Education Dr. Uke Kombra, launched National Book Week at the American Corner in Waigani, today.
National Book Week in Papua New Guinea will run from, August 8-13, with the theme of “Libraries for National-Building”.
It is during this time that teachers and students from schools around the country are to celebrate the importance of books and reading.
The Dr. Uke spoke about the importance of libraries in homes, schools, and communities adding that most people don’t have books in their homes, and school libraries are not always well stocked.
The Secretary for Education also mentioned that Papua New Guinea only has 5 public libraries and that increasing the country’s investment in libraries is crucial for development.
He also thanked non-profit organizations like Buk bilong Pikinini for helping to develop a lifelong love of reading among school children.
Buk bilong Pikini was established in 2007 and has so far set up eleven children’s libraries with trained teacher-librarians who are focused on implementing a comprehensive early childhood development programme.
The event was sponsored by the Office of Libraries and Archives.
Main Image: U.S Embassy – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Facebook Page
