February, 5th, 2025, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea ||

Digicel PNG Foundation conducted a three-day training on the Literacy Enrichment and Educational Development (LEED) program which was held at the Manus Training Center from February 3rd to 5th. The training was facilitated by Sara White from Bilum Books.

In collaboration with Bilum Books, the program equips provincial elementary coordinators with the tools to train teachers on using scripted resources that improve literacy in reading, listening speaking and comprehension.

The purpose of the training was to equip trainers and cluster leaders with the skills to train teachers in using Bilum Books, a core component of the LEED program. The program focuses on improving literacy outcomes for elementary students.

This training marked the second phase of the rollout in Manus, expanding the program to 80 additional schools. A total of 28 teachers, who are cluster leaders from nine clusters, along with two senior education officers, participated in the training.

According to Digicel Foundation CEO, Serena Sasingian said that she was pleased to hear that the teachers were highly engaged and excited about the training. “Elementary education is the foundation of learning, yet it often receives inadequate support. Digicel Foundation strongly believes that investing in early childhood education strengthens literacy and overall learning,” she said.

Sara White from Bilum Books praised the training, stating, “The teachers and trainers were very responsive, interested, and keen to learn about Bilum Books. We’ve been practicing modeling on how to teach reading so that trainers can spend time with teachers and share their knowledge about this program.”

Jessie Wahwah, Superintendent Personnel and Administration for Manus Division of Education, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m happy about this program and I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and skills about Bilum Books. Thank you, Digicel Foundation, for the funding and support given to Manus.”

The program will also be rolled out in EHP - Daulo and Henganofi districts in 90 selected schools, and Wau Waria district, Morobe, in 30 selected schools this month. Additionally, new education reforms such as Early Childhood Education and the 1-6-6 school restructure align with this initiative.