A new breakfast initiative, piloted by Buk bilong Pikinini (BbF), is showing promising results in improving children’s learning and engagement in Papua New Guinea.
Launched in Term 4 of 2024 at a BbP Library Learning Centre (LLC), the program has received support from Sanitarium, Export Alliance Australia, and Market 2000. It will be expanded to all BbP LLCs in 2025 as part of the organization’s wider Nutrition Education Program (NEP).
This program is a response to findings in the World Bank’s 2024 Economic Report, which highlights Papua New Guinea’s high stunting rates. Despite the country’s strong agricultural traditions and access to nutritious organic foods, many children still suffer from malnutrition, which affects their development.
The NEP aims to close this gap by providing children and their families with essential nutrition knowledge. It ensures that students have the proper nutrition needed for optimal learning and growth at the start of their school years.
Initial results from the breakfast program pilot show that children who participated in the program experienced better focus in the classroom, improved academic performance, and more positive social interactions during Term 4 of 2024.
With the program set to expand in May 2025, it is expected to further reduce the negative effects of malnutrition on education and long-term development by offering essential nutritional support for brain health.
“Providing children with a nutritious start to the day is proven to be key for their brain health as they learn,” said a representative from Buk bilong Pikinini.
“As the program grows, we are hopeful for even greater improvements in classroom participation and the overall well-being of the children we support.”
The success of the program is largely due to the generous contributions of Sanitarium, Export Alliance Australia, and Market 2000. Their donations ensure a steady supply of Weetbix and So Good oat milk, providing essential weekly nutrition to the children involved in the initiative.
