Early childhood education seen as key to solving PNG’s literacy crisis

Early childhood education is emerging as one of Papua New Guinea’s most critical tools for reversing the nation’s persistent literacy crisis, Australian Consulate Brenton Kanowski says.

Kanowski delivered the message in Lae during St Steven’s first early childhood graduation ceremony, saying that early learning is essential to building the country’s thinking capacity from the ground up.

The event, held at 3 Mile in Lae, was significant for the school as it celebrated the graduation of its first 90 early learners.

Among the guests was major program donor and Chow Foundation Managing Director John Chow, a strong advocate for early literacy. Chow said the ceremony showed the real impact of investing in children during their most formative years.

“Papua New Guinea continues to face challenges in literacy, but the most powerful solutions start in early childhood,” he said. “The years from ages 3 to 6 shape a child’s lifelong learning. When children are introduced to books, letters, and language early, their entire educational pathway changes.”

Chow emphasised that the Chow Foundation’s partnership with Buk Bilong Pikinini has been central to delivering high-quality early learning in communities with limited resources.

“Their programs, their training, and their unwavering belief in the potential of every child have transformed thousands of young lives,” he said. “They bring structure, creativity, and world-class early learning resources into communities that need them most.”

He said the foundation remains committed to ensuring children across PNG have access to early literacy opportunities.

“By supporting centres like St Steven’s, we are building strong learners, empowered teachers, and communities that value education,” he said.