CHOW FOUNDATION OPENS ST. STEVEN BBP LIBRARY

The anticipated opening of Buk bilong Pikinini’s (BbP) St. Steven Library Learning Centre (LLC) at 3 Mile in Lae on the 04th March 2025) was a momentous occasion that brought together students, parents, teachers, from both BbP and St Steven Elementary School and members of the 3 Mile community for a joyous celebration.

Generously sponsored by Lae Biscuit Company through their charity arm The Chow Foundation, this new learning hub aims to provide early childhood education and literacy programs to the children of 3 Mile Lae and surrounding areas.

The ceremony was attended by guests, including distinguished dignitaries including: John Chow, Chief Executive Officer, Chow Foundation & Managing Director, Lae Biscuit Company, Brenton Kanowski, Consul-General, Australian Consulate-General Lae, Mr. Keith N. Tangui, Provincial Education Advisor, Morobe Provincial Administration Division of Education, Mr. Fabian Chow, Director, Coastal Shipping, Ms. Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder & Vice Chair, Buk bilong Pikinini, Ms. Leanne Resson, Executive Officer, Buk bilong Pikinini, Maria Teresa Guese and other members of the various institutions of Lae City.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice-Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, expressed her utmost gratitude to The Chow Foundation and Lae Biscuit Company for this generous sponsorship.

“This partnership is a beautiful example of how the private sector support can make a significant difference in the lives of children in Papua New Guinea.”

She graciously thanked the The Chow Foundation and Lae Biscuit Company, as well as Mr Keith Tangui, Provincial Education Advisor for the Morobe Provincial Administration- Division of Education, The Catholic Diocese of Lae and the St Steven Parish, Fr Christababu Chamallamudi, Parish Priest and Catholic Education Advisor, Fr John Nake as well as the St Steven Elementary School and Teacher In Charge, Mr Bernard Pamba, and the parents, guardians and community members of 3 Mile Lae.

“We are incredibly grateful for this commitment to supporting education and literacy in our communities,” she said.

“The Buk bilong Pikinini program covers various topics in Literacy, Numeracy, Inclusive Education, Digital Learning and now also Nutritional Literacy.”

John Chow, Chief Executive Officer of The Chow Foundation and Managing Director of the Lae Biscuit Company remarked;

“Education is a collective responsibility, and today, we celebrate the power of partnerships. This centre is not just a building—it represents hope, opportunity, and progress. It is a testament to what can be achieved when the government, the private sector, community organizations, and families work together towards a common goal. It is the key to a brighter future, and we are proud to support this initiative that will empower young minds