Foundation Rewards Watunou Primary School with New Library

2016-04-21 02:12:37

Watunou Primary School in the Alotau District of Milne Bay Province opened the doors to its’ new library infrastructure on Tuesday 15th March 2016 in a colourful official opening ceremony in the presence of the school and residents of the surrounding community. The signature white walls and red roof, which has become synonymous with Digicel PNG Foundation funded infrastructure, was immaculately decorated, ready to be opened and utilised by the eager, bubbly students of Watunou Primary School. The Primary School first received a double classroom in 2012 and over the course of time built more classroom infrastructure and doubled their student enrolment numbers. Digicel PNG Foundation in recognising their community ownership and good governance have rewarded the school with a library worth K 110,000. The infrastructure comes fully kitted with library shelves, library books, solar lighting, a teacher’s desk and chair, students’ desks and a desktop computer for cataloguing and setting up the library system. “Two key things which form part of our assessment criteria, when auditing schools for a library reward are good governance and community ownership. I commend the Board, teachers and students of Watunou Primary School for maintaining and looking after the classroom and also growing this school. When our first infrastructure went up here in 2012, we planted a seed which has bloomed and is evident in how the school is growing and prospering. It is very encouraging to see our communities taking ownership to improve the lives of our people, especially the young generation,” said Beatrice Mahuru, CEO of Digicel PNG Foundation. The launch was attended by Guests of Honour, Governor of Milne Bay, Honourable Titus Philemon and Minister for National Planning and Member for Alotau Open, Honourable Charles Abel. Both Members of Parliament expressed deep gratitude for Digicel PNG Foundation’s investment in their province and also for our partnership in development and attributed Digicel's telecommunications services to connecting their maritime province.