Issue
National literature in Papua New Guinea is still in its infancy, with little consistent growth in contributions by Papua New Guineans, despite interventions to encourage reading and writing activities from both public and private actors.
How we are helping
By supporting a project that will use cultural approaches and locally devised apparatus to encourage literature to flourish in Papua New Guinea, underscored by the notion that national literature is a vital element in the growth and development of a country.
About the project
The project will encourage Papua New Guineans to actively participate in the building of a national literature in the three officially recognised languages: English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu. It will address the lack of growth in contributions to a national literature by launching conversations with writers, readers and thinkers, who will then participate in open discussion and collaboration that enables sharing of experience, skills and knowledge relating to writing, editing and publishing.
The project will also promote the art of essay writing through the Tingting Bilong Mi essay competition in secondary and tertiary schools, providing winning participants with cash and book prizes, editorial and publication work. The project will also include other writing competitions and a bi-annual magazine.
Project Partners
Ples Singsing Writers and Associates aims to have PNG writing and arts shared, promoted, reviewed and celebrated on multiple platforms, and to provide a means of dialogue between Papua New Guineans to discuss their shared culture and heritage, history, society and politics.
We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.
