What began with income from cocoa farming has grown into a community movement while slowly transforming young lives in South Bougainville.
The newly established youth-led organization, CARE Bougainville, has donated more than 500 books to Ameno Primary School in Baba Constituency, Bana District, through a partnership supported by the Australian Government. The books, sourced from Brisbane, will benefit more than 700 students by providing much-needed reading materials and learning resources.
Speaking to PNG Haus Bung, CARE Bougainville Founder and Chairman Starford Gami said he refused to wait for opportunities and instead created his own, not only to support himself but also to help young people and communities across Bougainville.
"As a young man, it is hard to find a job these days. I decided to create my own opportunity, not just for myself but to help the youths, my community, South Bougainville and Bougainville as a whole."
In 2025, Gami established CARE Bougainville after successfully securing funding through the Australian Government's Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund. The organisation was one of only 23 groups across Papua New Guinea selected to receive support.
Before turning its attention to education, CARE Bougainville used the funding to host the Saburuka Unity Sports Festival from June 29 to July 3, bringing together young men and women through soccer and volleyball while promoting unity, peace and positive community engagement.
Building on that momentum, the organisation expanded into education on July 13 by delivering more than 500 books to Ameno Primary School.
Gami said books have the power to shape a child's future.
"Books are more than just pages filled with words. They are the foundation of learning, imagination and opportunity. They help children improve their reading, writing, vocabulary, critical thinking and confidence. Every book gives a student the chance to discover new ideas, dream bigger and build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in school and in life."
He said CARE Bougainville believes every child deserves access to quality reading materials and that investing in education today will help build a stronger and more prosperous Bougainville.
Despite its growing impact, CARE Bougainville is run by a small volunteer team consisting of Gami, his brother and another young man from the community. Although all three are educated, they remain unemployed and have relied on income from cocoa farming to fund transport, communication and community activities before receiving Australian Government support.
Looking ahead, Gami said the organisation plans to involve more young people in income-generating projects, including poultry, piggery and farming, to create sustainable opportunities within local communities.
He also revealed that the Unity Sports Festival will be expanded in August to include participants from all three constituencies in Bana District.
Gami thanked the Australian Government, Books4Kids PNG, Cherish Foundation and Annmarie Kira for supporting the book donation initiative.
"Together, we are not just donating books. We are opening doors to knowledge, creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to build Bougainville's future, one book at a time."
