Halimbu Primary School opens new double classroom

BSP Tari branch manager Ruben Attai (left white shirt) and BSP Highlands regional area manager John Tomba with Tari BSP staff and community members during the ribbon cutting of Halimbu Primary School double classroom on Saturday *(Image: Peter Wari / NBC News)*

Halimbu Primary School in Tari-Pori, Hela officially opened a new double classroom on Saturday, funded by BSP Financial Group Limited.

The classroom was constructed under the bank’s '50for50 – Givim Bek' initiative, which was launched on September 12 last year to commemorate Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Anniversary.

Under the initiative, 50 community projects nationwide each received K50,000 in financial support.

Projects under the scheme are nominated and championed by local BSP staff members to assist their home communities.

The Halimbu project was championed by BSP staff member Steven Talu Halimbu.

BSP Tari Branch Manager, Ruben Attai, said the initiative differs from the bank's traditional annual community projects, placing a specific focus on education, health, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.

"Our '50for50 – Givim Bek' program reaffirms our deep connection with the communities we serve and ensures that progress is shared across PNG," Attai said.

"At least one community in each province will receive support through this initiative over the next year."

BSP Highlands Regional Area Manager, John Tomba, said quality infrastructure is vital for student performance, stating that children learn best in comfortable classroom environments free from distraction.

Tomba called on parents to prioritise their children's education and ensure consistent attendance.

"The number of children enrolled in a school encourages the Government and donor partners to invest in education," he said.

"Children must not be kept at home or tasked with daily household chores during school hours."

Hayapuga community leader, Tobby Maya Pajape, expressed gratitude to BSP, citing that the community is actively rebuilding following past tribal conflicts.

"Schools, churches, and vital public infrastructure are coming back to life as residents return to their normal routines," Pajape said. "We are thankful to BSP for this assistance. This marks the beginning of greater developments for our community."