By airlifting literacy materials and expert trainers into hard-to-reach communities, MAF and Bilum Books are equipping teachers with the tools they need to bring quality education to the most isolated corners of Papua New Guinea.
Story by Mandy Glass
In some of the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea, where travel by road is impossible and walking for days is the only alternative, teachers are being equipped with the tools they need to enhance the learning of their students—thanks to the vital partnership between MAF and Bilum Books.
Recently, MAF pilot Ryan Cole flew a team of trainers and cartons of literacy books into Telefomin District, navigating difficult terrain and making multiple stops from Vanimo to Nuku, Tekin, Telefomin and Wewak.
“We didn’t even pack the books in boxes,” said Grace Babona, one of trainers, with a twinkle in her eye. “We just threw them into the plane—Ryan made the whole mission possible.”
I'm grateful for MAF, because where there is a small airstrip, you will always see MAF.
Once on the ground, the Bilum Books team delivered a five-day training workshop for teachers who had come from far and wide—some walking four days crossing flooded rivers and hiking through rugged bushland. Their determination speaks volumes, but so does the impact.
“Bilum Books make it easier for teachers to teach,” said Jim Tulim, one of the teacher participants who came all the way from Imalbil Elementary School near Busilmin, Yapsie LLG. “The books are well arranged, and children understand the lessons better.”
Bilum Books, a PNG-based publishing initiative launched in 2016, focuses on creating English literacy resources for early grades throughout grade 12 with relevant content adequate for PNG context and culture.
Bilum Books are being used across the country, particularly in rural schools that have long lacked suitable teaching tools. But getting those books and training sessions into the hands of teachers would not be possible without MAF’s aviation support.
“Teachers are incredibly grateful,” said Bilum Books founder Ray O’Farrell, who gets referred to as Papa bilong Bilum Books. “They’ve never had training like this before, and now they also have quality books to take home.”
After a four-day trek from his school on the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, Jim reflected on the impact of the training.
“It’s a very long walk to Telefomin to attend training. It took me four days walking from my school to Telefomin District to receive this vital training.
“The difference these Bilum Books have made is very significant. The books are well-organised and arranged clearly. The phonics books especially are great. They make it much easier for teachers to teach in the classroom. The way the content is structured helps children understand better when being taught.”
MAF’s work doesn’t stop with the training event. Ryan will be back in the air next week, flying teachers and their cartons of Bilum Books back to remote villages—places that are reachable only by air which is so appreciated by the Bilum Books team.
“I'm grateful for MAF, because where there is a small airstrip, you will always see MAF,” Grace said.
This partnership between MAF and Bilum Books is helping close the gap in educational access across PNG, making it possible for even the most isolated children to gain the foundational skills they need for a brighter future.
