A new series of children’s books developed by Papua New Guinean authors and illustrators is being supported through the Papua New Guinea–Australia Partnership.
The Let’s Read for Peace and Justice series is a new series of books produced to help children learn the values of kindness, respect and peaceful conflict resolution.
Launched recently in Port Moresby, the books are designed for primary school-aged children under the Asia Foundation’s Let’s Read program.
The Regional Representative for the Pacific Islands at the Asia Foundation, Sandra Kraushaar, said the series demonstrates how locally developed reading materials can support both literacy and social learning.
“By bringing together local authors, illustrators and educators, the series provides children with engaging, culturally relevant stories that encourage empathy, cooperation and problem-solving,” said Kraushaar.
The books are available in English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, Kâte and PNG Sign Language, and were developed for primary school-aged children in the National Capital District and Morobe Province.
The six new books produced use engaging, locally grounded stories to help young readers explore empathy, relationships and positive ways of responding to challenges.
Local Ward Counsellor Peter Noka stated at the launching of the book series that the reading initiative is a blessing, and said the books shared will remind the young that respect, fairness and courage are values that must be observed and should be passed on to the children.
“They also remind us that education can strengthen our children’s future, confidence and dignity,” said Noka.
Australia and Papua New Guinea share a commitment to investing in the next generation, recognizing that stronger communities are built when young people have opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Elizabeth Le Bas said Australia is a proud supporter of the reading initiative.
“Through stories that reflect Papua New Guinea’s cultures and experiences, these books encourage children to think about how they relate to others and the role they can play in building stronger communities,” said Le Bas.
Most young children do not develop the habit for reading at an early age, hence the initiative was created, sharing locally relevant children’s books that reflect Papua New Guinea’s cultures, languages, and experiences designed to capture the interest of young children.
Le Bas stated that Australia is proud to support initiatives that invest in young people and help build safer and more cohesive communities.
“We welcome the support of the Papua New Guinea–Australia Partnership in helping make these resources available to more children, families and schools,” she said.
In addition to the ongoing distribution of more than 20,000 copies to schools, libraries and community centers, all titles in the Let’s Read for Peace and Justice series are available free of charge online at letsreadasia.org
