A total of 284 people in Papua New Guinea have developed literacy skills to help them read and understand the Bible for themselves through an adult literacy program run by the Central Papua Conference (CPC).
The learners graduated from Levels 1 and 2 of the program during a ceremony held at Bautama on October 13. The event, CPC’s sixth adult literacy graduation and first combined ceremony, brought together participants from five districts: Bisiatabu, Rigo, Moresby East, Moresby North-east and Moresby North-west.
The graduates included young people and a seven-year-old child. During the ceremony, several learners demonstrated their newly acquired skills by reading Bible passages aloud.
CPC Women’s Ministries director Jullian Lava said literacy is an important part of the Church’s mission, enabling people to engage with Scripture independently and participate more fully in church life.
“A Church that teaches its adults to read is a Church that is investing in its own future,” she said.
CPC president Pastor Lonnel Winnie, who delivered the keynote address, congratulated the graduates, including participants from other Christian denominations, and encouraged them to continue developing their skills.
“Graduation is a beginning, not the ending. Don’t stop; you must continue to learn,” he said.
Pastor Winnie also highlighted the wider benefits of literacy, including improved access to information and greater opportunities to contribute to families, churches and communities.
The ceremony recognised 32 certified literacy teachers who support the delivery of classes in local communities.
The program is delivered through a partnership between CPC’s Women’s Ministries, Personal Ministries, Sabbath School and Education departments. CPC plans to expand literacy activities and continue training local teachers to support the program’s long-term sustainability.
