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.

Grammarly Online Editor Spelling and Grammar Checks

Students leaving universities (or colleges) may find correcting spelling and grammar daunting. In the series ‘PNG Students Blogging Guide’ PNG Insight mentioned 5 online tools student writers can use to correct spelling and grammar. 

In this post, you'll find out about Grammarly, an online Spelling and Grammar-check tool, you can use. 

Why use check spelling and grammar?

Well-written assessments, resumes/CVs and articles produce positive results. Ponder these 5 quick questions:

• 1. Are you doing your school work in English?  
• 2. Is English your second language? 
• 3. Do you find correcting spelling and grammar errors tricky? 
• 4. Have you often identify errors in your submitted work after it was marked? 
• 5.Do you want your final work to be error free?

If the answer to the five questions is YES, read on to find out why the tool can help you improve the overall outcome of your work. 

Spelling and Grammar check

Grammarly is an online Spelling and Grammar check tool. That means that you have to have access to the Internet to use it. 

Many institutions have ‘blocker’ installed in their network gateways which may not allow you to use Grammarly. But there is a way around it – you can use ‘data’ tethering. Connect your laptop to your smartphone. 

Checking for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes using Grammarly is, in fact, a better way to eliminate any errors in your final work before submitting or publishing it. 

Grammarly is a *free* online tool. You simply have to open an account and start using it. The spelling and grammar tool identifies errors and prompts you to correct the errors. 

Try it and see how many errors you may have missed whilst proofreading your work.

Grammarly Online Editor Spelling and Grammar Checks

English as a second language 

English is not the first language is 'the' reason why I decided to include this post in the series PNG Students Blogging Guide’. 

From experience, English as a second language comes with some levels of difficulty when thinking and writing in it. 

Obviously, many students in PNG also have English as a third or even fourth language!

So, it is important to use tools and aids that are now available to make writing appealing to teachers and other readers. 

Using the free version of Grammarly is one way you can polish your writing and CV/resume and make readers admire your work.

Grammarly Online Editor Spelling and Grammar Checks

As mentioned earlier and also in Part 2 of ‘PNG Students Blogging Guide’, Grammarly is easy to use. Use your email, Gmail or social media accounts to open a Grammarly account. 

There are two ways to use it: as an add-on on Chrome browser or saved URL in the ‘favourite’ folder and use it when you need it.

When you have opened an account, simply copy your work and paste it into the Grammarly task-pane. Spelling and Grammar checks will automatically show the stats of errors and suggest corrections to be made.  That’s it!

Do Spelling and Grammar Checks

Grammarly is a free online tool you can use to make your important work stand out.

You may also be interested to take a look at PNG Insight’s Guide to Students’ Blogging:

• 1. PNG Students Blogging Guide Part 1: How to Start a Blog and Grow Your Writing Potential
• 2. PNG Students Blogging Guide Part 2: Five Free Online Tools For Creating Stunning Blog

Why is a Website and Social Media Great Business Tools?

The article aims to help small businesses and start-ups improve online sales and marketing of their products and services. You'll find out how easy it can be for *new* businesses to create a business website and use 5 useful tools to make the website stand out above the rest.

Write articles to rank on Google

A 600 – 800 word post is just right to get a good Google ranking. You may not need plenty of mobile phone *data* or 24-7 WiFi to publish your work. Write offline (using Microsoft Word for example) and post when you are online.

So if you have not started your start-up/business website, take a look at how easy it is to create a website.

(Here is how I started PNG Insight from scratch - learn about how to get a suitable URL, Host and run a successful business website.)

5 useful tools to make your business website standout

Here are the 5 online tools that will make your blog stand out from the others.

1. Grammarly

Grammarly valuable tool for Spelling & Grammar Checks.

Grammarly is a useful online grammar and spelling checker. Just copy and paste your final assignment or blog post into the window pane and click Check Your Text. 

Obliviously, English is the second (even third) language for many Papua New Guineans. Grammarly, the Grammar and Spelling checker tool, is one blogging tool I'd recommend highly, even if you are a savvy writer, you will also benefit from it.

Make sure you have used the correct English version by choosing English (US) or English (UK), or whichever one you prefer. Grammarly 'spelling check' is free on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers. 

You can install the app as an add-on on Chrome or use the online version to check your work for both Grammar and Spelling errors.

2. Use Social Media Platforms (prioritise YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest)

It is important to create social media accounts for your business website. Social media is the most important platform for reaching customers without spending money on paid advertisements. 

Here is why you should prioritise YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest

My top picks (in the order of getting organic search customers)  are YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. The first three social media platforms (YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest) are proven organic (Google) search drivers for your business, in addition to your website. Also called the evergreen online platforms. One article (like this one) will rank for years to come.

Twitter and Facebook are simply message-sharing platforms with no (or very little) organic search ranking. They can be used when there is a need to get a recent ad/message out en masse.

If you are planning to use images, try Pinterest. In fact, Pinterest is a useful tool for showcasing your work as well as getting visitors to your business. 

Another way to find the ideal social media platform fit for your website is to experiment with various platforms. This can take years to find social media platform that complements your business website, once you find it, stick with it.

3. Images/visuals and messages

Attractive visuals and powerful messages are best for your business website. Think of it this way: 

• images attract readers, and
• messages give the readers a taste of what the post is about. 

So, make the images appealing to attract readers and messages stimulating so that the readers will want to read further.

You can do all these without spending money on image apps.  For beginners, the two free image editors I have been using are Canvas and IShot. You can auto-edit photos, add texts, use free photos and do many other formatting styles. 

These two image apps are also available on Google Play Store for free.

Many of the photos on PNG Insight are examples of what you can do with an image editor like Canvas and IShot. 

My top tip is to always keep your photos the *same size*. Consistency is the key to making your business website stand out amongst the others.

4. Google Search Console & Google Analytics

Google Search Console can help optimise your website. GSC is, in simple terms, the platform where you tell Google about your website by creating sitemaps and submitting URLs, inviting Google to come to your website. It should be the first step of a structured SEO plan, why buy expensive SEO plans when Google has this tool you need for free?

On the other hand, Google Analytics is the platform where Google provides you (the webmaster) with data and information about your website. That means that Google has recognised your website - its structure (sitemap) and individual URL.

So, if you want to understand how your website works (and improve its performance) you’ve got to use both platforms provided by Google – and they are free!

Google Search Console (GSC) and Google Analytics (GA) provide insights into the performance of your business website. 

Moreso, these two are powerful data insights Google provides free of charge. It can never get better than this when you are looking for Search Insights and how customers behave on your business website.

5. Google Trends and Adwords Keyword Search

Rank well on Google - visibility!

This is the important part of writing that many beginners ignore or did not know about. If you want to rank well in Google’s searches, you must learn to identify (and use the keyword in a post) what you want Google to rank you for. 

It’s not rocket science!

You just have to identify what is trending on Google and used Adword Keyword Search to choose a keyword. Then, use the keyword in your writing (and also in the post’s search description before publishing it). 

It is the anchor text that Google shows to people in search results when the search matches your keyword.

Why are a Website and Social Media Great Business Tools?

All in all, these may seem like a mountain of work to do. It, probably, is. 

But having a business website that puts your products and services on the front page of Google searches can never get better. is fun and easy if you do it right from the start.

All small business owners and start-ups have to know that having a powerful website is the key to sales and marketing; and the overall success of selling online.

How to Make Money Online Blog and YouTube

With the increasing access to the Internet in Papua New Guinea, many young people have the privilege others never had in the past - having access to social media, blogs and vast sources of information online. 

This post is about investing your time and effort wisely on your phone and computers which will help you to make money online in the long run.

Investing time & effort

Just imagine in 5 years time you earn US$200 per month in passive income for the effort you put in now by blogging or YouTube-ing. 

It's better than wasting time on social media channels that do NOT reward you for sharing your ideas.

Start A Blog - Earn Money Online

A good way to utilise Internet access is to talk about our beautiful country, your passion and things that interest you.

Start your own blog for free, an example is this blog. The reward (money you make) depends on the visitors to your blog.

In addition, the benefits of blogging are massive. 

Apart from sharing information, you remember vital facts - facts that are relevant to you! It is rewarding - both educational and monetary gains. 

Let's have a look at the 3 ways to make money online and how to monetise your work. 

Three Ways to Make Money Online

Here are the practical tips to start earning some rewards online. Click on the links provided to explore the opportunities.

1. Start a Free/Paid blog

This blog is an example of a free blog, started in 2014. It took 2 years before we had good traffic to monetise. 

Bear in mind that blogging is not for the faint-hearted and quick-reward-seeking opportunists. Focus on your interest. Make blogging a hobby and the rest will fall in place. 

It will take years before you get good traffic/visitors and monetise your work.

We've got great Blogging Tips with pictures and guides here: How To Start a Personal Blog  & How to A Blog on Wordpress.

2. YouTube Channel 

YouTube channels are a great way to showcase things you are good at. 

Successful YouTubers are those that have the ability to make some 'boring subject' look amazing. If you are one of them, you can do that right now. Some examples are:

• Gardening Hobbies
• Musical/Singing Talents
• Producing how-to videos

Videos eligible for monetisation are usually those that are unique. In fact, how-to and music videos are popular and get lots of views on YouTube. 

The more videos and interest you generate from views and impressions will make you money.

To monetise you'll need at least 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time. That means that if you put in the work now, you can monetise your video in the next 12-24 months.

3. Write and Earn Money or Mobile Credits Online 

PNG Insight is looking for writers to write interesting articles for us. You can make money online now by submitting your first article to us. Read about the PNG Writers' Initiative. 

Here are some of the works produced by PNG Writers. Take a look if you need inspiration.

Write for us today and earn cash or mobile phone credits - your choice! The contact email is info@pnginsight.com

Latest On YouTube - Monetise Shorts

If you love to share photos and short videos from your mobile phone, YouTube #Shorts is going to be your thing.

In 2023, YT will monetise those videos - check out how to get into the YouTube Partners Program for Shorts.

Two Ways to monetise a blog, website or YouTube

Two ways to monetise a blog and YouTube.

Setting up a blog, website or YouTube Channel is the first step - only the starting point. 

As mentioned earlier, it can take years (if you are lucky, months) to fully monetise and start making money. 

1. Amazon Associate Account - Worth Trying

Amazon associate program is one way to make money online. You can join and start immediately by referring your friends and visitors.

There are several platforms you can use to earn from Amazon. You can promote them via social networks like Twitter, Facebook, etc or on blogs and websites.

Amazon has an easy-to-use URL shortener and widgets to help you on your way to making extra money online.

Please note that not anyone can become Amazon Affiliate today. Amazon has changed its Terms and Conditions and therefore it has become difficult for people in certain countries like PNG to join the program. 

However, Papua New Guineans living overseas (Australia, New Zealand or the US) can join the affiliate program and use it later.

2. AdSense - Takes Time But Works

AdSense is Google’s technology. It shows advertisements to customers. If they click on them, you make money. 

The money you make online will depend on 

• how competitive visitors' keywords are; 
• how many people visit your website or view your YouTube video; and
• the location of your visitors.

In fact, Google is paying you for space you make available for the advertisements and how many people are actively viewing the ads.

To get an Adsense account you have got to own a website, blog or YouTube channel. So, start now.

WordPress and Google Blogger are available options. I would recommend Blogger if you are starting off.

Here are tips to get started on How to Start a Blog and Make Money Online. You can submit an article to use here - Submit Articles to PNG Insight. 

Passion for Personal Development

You can also use the opportunities to your advantage regardless of where you are, whether in PNG or overseas. 

Start something you are passionate about and reward yourself for it. 

Make no mistake, if you are thinking of making quick money online, you might as well try something else.

These four words of encouragement will help you to make blogging a successful hobby: 

• First, have a passion for what you do, and focus on the big picture instead of how much you make monthly. 

• Second, remind yourself that monetisation is normally done years after you started a blog.

• Third, it will take a lot of time and effort, so be patient. 

• Finally, do not put your whole life into it – this is not a job to be serious with, let it be a hobby – let it be passive. 

READ ABOUT HOW TO HOST A WEBSITE

Be a successful young person

This is a collection of articles for making money by writing and building blogs or websites based on your passion. I repeat PASSION.

This blog is an example of using the free BLOGGER platform. You only need your Gmail Account to start a blog on Blogger.

If you have a talent for something or someone tells you that you are creative, these ideas will make you successful. CLICK ON THE LINKS TO GET FREE INFO.

1) How to make money on YouTube

2) How to Start a Personal Blog or Website Beginner Tips

3) How to start a website - REAL COST AND EXPERIENCE

4) How to Make Money Using Your Mobile Phones

5) Five Free Online Tools For Creating Stunning Website - Make Money Online

6) How to Start a Blog and Grow Your Writing Potential - MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Turn on AdSense shopping links

If you are a Google Adsense user, you'll find the new Shopping Links useful. It's in beta and will slowly be released to the Adsense publisher community. 

How to  turn on AdSense shopping links

You can find it in the Optimisation Tab: Optimisation > Lab > Use the toggle to turn shopping links on.

Here is the 2 AdSense Changes in 2024 publishers should know about, click here to find out.

What AdSense said about the shopping links

AdSense will add shopping links to the content of your eligible pages. Shopping links provide end-users with relevant options to buy from. 

The links take users to shopping ads and may help increase your earnings.

Video explanation

How will Shopping Links monetise?

You'll get paid if users click the shopping links and click any of the ads displayed.

This lab will:

• Automatically place shopping links on eligible pages on your site(s) for a percentage of users.
• Continue showing your existing ads for all users.

AdSense Shopping links will appear on your page's main content as hyperlinks, targeting the existing words whenever Google detects a "shoppable product mention". 

By clicking on the link users are shown a number of shopping ads for the product. 

If you click on the link and buy the product on display, you'll get a commission for it. 

Here is the Google help document on this new feature.

Latest On YouTube - Monetise Shorts

If you love to share photos and short video from your mobile phone, YouTube #Shorts is going to be your thing.

In 2023, YT will monetise those videos - check out how to get into the YouTube Partners Program for Shorts.

Recommended reading: How to Make Money Online Blog and YouTube

Happy monetising!

How to Start a Blog and Grow Your Writing Potential - MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Students who have an interest in words and how to put them together to create stories (I am referring to writing) will find blogging a pathway to enhancing their creativity. Write about the topics you are passionate about in class (assignments, poems, etc) and the stories and mishaps of student's life is the best starting point. Blogging is also a way to improve your literature and writing skills!

READ ABOUT HOW TO HOST A WEBSITE

In this dying age where students' writing ability has much to be desired, I would encourage students to take up blogging - challenge yourself to write something nice and appealing to others. 

You just need to hook up to the internet and start publishing your work. Okay, think about all the work you have with you, either in your computer hard-disk or carry around in flash drive. Are there any good maths, or science or Literature work of very good quality? If the answer is yes, do justice to your effort and hardwork and publish it online. There is no harm in sharing.

MAKE MONEY ONLINE 

___________

To start...

1. Create/use an email account

2. Create a blog (blogger or wordpress)

Note: There are standard templates to use. Also simple HTML codes you can use to tweak your blog like the drop-down menu above. If you want any help, message me on Twitter on leave a comment below and I will help where I can.

___________

Perhaps the important point here is for students to develop writing skills by starting now. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot start, yet. I want to encourage, if not every, the majority of the university students to take an active interest in developing your writing skills. 

Take a look at what others are doing, how they form their sentences and develop the style that suits their audience. Use the skills you may have learned to your advantage to grow as a writer/blogger. In time, you will find that those skills are transferable. 

By this I mean you can use them in another writing genre such as academic writing,  report writing, etc as you grow as a person.

WRITING AND BLOGGING TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Papua New Guineans who have an interest in writing, especially blogging, will attest to the fact the writing is a learning journey. It is about self-enrichment. 

You become aware of what is important, learn and grow as you write about things that matter to you and the community you belong to. Blog sphere, for example, is a place where you can WRITE about your inner thoughts, opinions and feelings, and grow. 

As I mentioned earlier, you go from leap-to-bound where you develop a style of writing skill that is transferable in academic circles or at work. In 5 to 10 years time, you'll look back with satisfaction.

FREE WRITING AND BLOGGING TOOLS TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE

I'd like to encourage university students to start blogging and sharing ideas online as a means to develop your writing skills. You can use blogger (the platform I am using for PNG Insight) or Wordpress. 

There are FREE versions available. When you have been blogging and have enough content, you can move onward and upward. This means getting your *own domain* and *host* your own website and *value* it. (I'll write about free online tools and how to value your blog in Parts 2 & 3. So stay in-tune).

____Note___

Check out the complete series on Student's Guide to Blogging here.