A LOCAL book drive is giving residents a chance to support students thousands of kilometres away, with preloved books now being collected for village schools in Papua New Guinea.
Member for Euora Annabelle Cleeland has opened her Benalla electorate office as a drop-off point, encouraging families, schools and community groups to donate children’s and educational books.
Many remote communities in Papua New Guinea still face significant barriers to education, including limited access to basic learning materials.
Ms Cleeland said: “Something as basic as a book can make a huge difference to a child’s education.”
According to international education agencies, Papua New Guinea has some of the lowest literacy rates in the Pacific, particularly in rural and isolated areas where schools often lack libraries and teaching resources.
The Benalla office is accepting good-quality children’s books, early readers and educational texts suitable for both primary and secondary students. All donations will be distributed to village schools where resources are scarce.
Ms Cleeland thanked the community for its early support, saying the response reflected the region’s generosity.
Donations can be dropped off at 25 Bridge Street, East Benalla, during business hours. More information is available by contacting the office on 5762 1600.
