National Book Week in PNG: Fostering a Culture of Reading and Learning

Every year in August, Papua New Guinea (PNG) hosts a remarkable educational event known as National Book Week. Since its inception in 1980, this event has been celebrating the profound significance of books and reading as sources of both learning and enjoyment. 

Organised by the PNG goverment through the Office of Libraries and Archives, the National Book Week serves as a platform to encourage people of all ages, especially children and youths, to immerse themselves in the enriching world of literature. 

With an array of thought-provoking themes over the years, the PNG National Book Week strives to inspire individuals to read, grow, and create- fostering a culture of literacy and imagination.

Themes of PNG National Book Week

Each year, National Book Week in PNG revolves around a unique theme that encapsulates the core essence of the event. These themes mirror the broader objectives of the country's educational initiatives and the transformative potential of reading. 

Here are the themes that have shaped the event in recent years, presented in ascending order:

2017 - Libraries for National-Building:

This theme emphasized the pivotal role of libraries as essential institutions for societal development. It underscored the significance of accessible information in propelling progress within the nation.

2019 - Upgrade Your Knowledge (IQ):

Focusing on enhancing intelligence and knowledge, this theme accentuated the power of books in driving personal growth and intellectual development.

2020 - Creating Greater Access to Information through Libraries:

Aligned with the goal of making information universally accessible, this theme highlighted libraries as gateways to knowledge and empowerment.

2021 - Lockdown, Stay Safe, Read Books:

In response to the global pandemic's challenges, this theme encouraged reading as a source of solace, learning, and personal growth during uncertain times.

2022 - Choose Your Destiny - Read: 

Centered around the power of choice, this theme emphasized how reading empowers individuals to shape their own destinies by embracing diverse perspectives.

2023 - Click on a Book, Pick a Book:

Encouraging the integration of the digital age, this year's theme celebrated the timeless joy and inspiration found within both traditional and digital reading experiences.

PNG National Book Week 2024

Last year's (2023) delay in theme release created challenges for teachers and students, highlighting the importance of timely communication. 

In 2023, the themes "Click on a Book, Pick a Book" and "Read, Grow, Inspire" caused confusion due to their simultaneous circulation. This underscored the need for enhanced coordination.

This year, the focus is on transparency and preparedness. The theme for 2024 will be announced well in advance to ensure educators and participants have ample time to engage creatively. 

Why not make suggestions for the 2024 theme in the comment below!

National Book Week in PNG stands as a beacon of inspiration, inviting people of all ages to embrace the world of literature. By nurturing a passion for reading among children and youths, we lay the foundation for a future of knowledge, creativity, and growth. 

Empowering Local Writers and Bloggers: A Call to Action

As National Book Week continues to ignite the passion for reading, it's crucial to further nurture local literary talent. 

The PNG government should take a proactive role in supporting and promoting local writers and bloggers. 

By providing platforms, funding, and recognition for their works, the nation can cultivate a diverse and vibrant literary landscape that reflects its unique culture and experiences.

Engaging Local Talent with Schools and Teachers

To truly instill a love for reading, writing, and creativity, collaboration between National Book Week and educational institutions is imperative. 

This collaboration could involve hosting writing workshops, author visits, and interactive sessions between local writers and students. 

By connecting local talents with schools and teachers, the event can inspire the next generation of readers and writers, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences.

PNG Government Improve Library Services

While National Book Week celebrates the magic of reading, it's essential to address the state of libraries in PNG. The government should take on the challenge of enhancing library services across the nation. 

This includes modernising library facilities, expanding collections, and providing resources that cater to various age groups and interests.

A robust library network empowers communities, especially in remote areas, by granting access to knowledge, fostering learning, and igniting imaginations.

Conclusion - National Book Week in PNG

The event's themes reflect the evolving landscape of education and technology while celebrating the timeless joy of reading. As we move forward into the upcoming years of National Book Week, let's celebrate the transformative power of books and writing, cultivating a culture of lifelong learning and expansion of horizons. 

The journey ahead includes empowering local writers, engaging with schools, and challenging the government to uplift library services, paving the way for a more literate and enlightened society in Papua New Guinea.

Book Review: Secondary Education in Fiji – A Key to the Future by Helen Tavola

Content Summary

Helen Tavola identified three (3) areas as fundamental to the development of Ministry of Education Ministry in Fiji. Namely the Policy variables, political context and government’s Grant-in-school fee subsidy. The three areas formed the basis of her research work. 

She carried out the fieldwork in 11 schools in different geographic areas in Fiji and among wide ethnic composition. One of the social issues that stood out was the disparity in ethnicity and population of children in schools in the colonial eras and before and after Fiji’s independence in 1970. However, it is ominous that Helen’s attempts to address the three (3) issues hinges on the racial divide among the different ethnic groups and their social and economic standings in Fiji societies.

Identifiably, the Native Fijians concentrated more on subsistence and rural agriculture in the early part of developments in of the Education Ministry in Fiji. 

In retrospect, the other ethnicities view education as a way to liberate themselves and encouraged their children to actively seek further education. This resulted in the disparity in the level of education and qualification. The Native Fijians are generally less educated than the other Fiji ethnicities.

Read the complete review in PDF view below.

Book Review: An Outline of Book Review for Students

A book review outline I find very useful, especially when reviewing an academic thesis as an assessment task. If you are looking for a simple outline for your uni assessment, you'll find this outline useful too.

Establish a Background, identify the book by author, title, and publishing information.

Include some background to enable readers to place the book into context. Describe the general problem the book addresses or earlier work the author or others have done. In framing your review, you should provide some information on the author. What are her relevant qualifications and background (or lack thereof) for writing on this subject? What were his reasons for writing this book? (Often the preface contains such information.)

1. Content Summary 

1.1. Overview A book review is an essay whose purpose is to comment on a particular work bearing upon a single subject or related subjects. Provide an overview, including paraphrases and quotations, of the book's thesis and primary supporting points. The most important element about a book review to remember is that it is a commentary, not just a summary. Present an overview of the book, an outline or synopsis of the major topics, indicating the scope, the major emphasis (political, economic, intellectual, etc.) and which, if any, aspects of the subject are totally ignored.

1.2. Comparative Evaluation – a Recent Publication

What evidence is cited? Has new documentation become available? If so, identify the new documentation. Or, does the book present a novel interpretation based on previously available documents or information? Your conclusions and assessments regarding these aspects will affect your comparative evaluations of the works. You should also consider the time during which the book was written and, if evident, the author's values and biases. For example, a book on sociocultural evolution written by a conservative Republican sociologist in the 1950s (say Talcott Parsons) would be quite different than one written by a member of the American Socialist party (say Harry Braverman).co

Recommended A review of Helen Tovola's Secondary Education in Fiji - Key to Future

Note: 

*It will probably will be necessary to refer to specific portions of the books to illustrate your statements and conclusions, but it is generally not advisable to quote extensively from it. Do not try to make more points than can be accomplished thoroughly in your review. It is better to make a few points well than many points poorly. Once you have decided on the central points you intend to make, treat each one as a separate section of your review. Each section should explain the one point, supporting it with your own arguments and with brief examples from the book under review and drawing conclusions as to the meaning and importance of the point.

* The purpose of the review is to critically evaluate the text, not just inform the readers about it. Leave plenty room for your evaluation by ensuring that your summary is brief. Determine what kind of balance to strike between your summary information and your evaluation. If you are writing your review for a class, ask your instructor. Often the ratio is half and half.

2. Your Evaluation – Opinion & Discussion: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?

The bulk of your review should concentrate on your evaluation of the way the author handled the issues discussed.

2.1. Describe the book: What is the overall thesis? Is it interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive? Why?

2.2. Respond to the author's worldview: What do you agree with? And why? What do you disagree with? And why?

2.3. Explore issues the book raises: What possibilities does the book suggest? Explain. What matters does the book leave out? Explain.

2.4. Relate your argument to other books or authors: Support your argument for or against the author's opinions by bringing in other authors you agree with.

2.5. Relate the book to larger issues: How did the book affect your worldview of sociocultural stability and change? How have your opinions about the topic changed? How is the book related to the course? How did the thesis compare with other course material? What are your reactions? Did the book enhance your understanding of the issues? Be as direct as possible.

3. Conclusion - summarise the discussion 

Source - http://faculty.rsu.edu/users/f/felwell/www/Info/BookReview2.htm