Nurturing Young Minds Through Reading in Manus

In April 2025, a simple but powerful truth sparked a heartfelt initiative: just one book can open the door to a new way of thinking. In the remote village of Naringel in Manus Province, Papua New Guinea, children brim with curiosity and a love for reading—but their access to books has long been limited. That changed when a remarkable collaboration between the Queensland State Library, Cooktown Library, and the Royal Australian Navy brought a world of knowledge to their doorstep.

The initiative began when Cooktown Library upgraded its children’s section, leaving behind a surplus of high-quality books - fiction and non-fiction - suitable for preschoolers to young teens. Covering topics from gardening and engineering to creative writing and even restaurant management, the books offered rich and diverse learning opportunities. Rather than letting these valuable resources go to waste, the idea was born: why not give them a second life in the hands of eager learners?

Former Queensland State Library Manager Louise Hunter arranged for the books to be transported from Cooktown to Cairns, where each was carefully cleaned, sorted, and packed into nine large plastic containers. These were then secured on a pallet, ready for their journey across the Coral Sea. The real challenge lay ahead - getting the books to Naringel. With minimal telecommunications infrastructure and complex logistics, the task required creative coordination. 
Enter Commander Andrew Thorpe and his team from HMAS Cairns, who played a pivotal role in transporting the shipment. Navigating communication barriers and tight naval schedules,
they ensured the books were delivered safely and intact to the primary school in Naringel.

This donation wasn't just about logistics; it was a symbol of community spirit and a shared belief in the power of education.
Families from Cairns to Manus helped bridge communication gaps and supported the delivery effort. For the children of Naringel, the arrival of nine large containers filled with books brought not only joy and excitement but also a renewed sense of hope - fueling dreams, sparking imagination, and nurturing lifelong learning.

In a world where literacy can change lives, this story serves as a reminder: every child deserves the chance to read, learn, and grow - and sometimes, it just takes one book to light the way.

This project was organised by The Cairns Institute Adjunct Research Associate Simon Towle, with logistics from Cairns to Naringel coordinated by his daughter, James Cook University undergraduate student Sian-Tia Towle. "I would like to thank the Naringel Community, Naringel Primary School, its students and teachers—Hikanau Christopher and Papu Rosen—for their help in organising photos and local logistics, as well as my cousins who assisted with communication in areas lacking coverage. Mi hamamas tru long yupela. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

JUNE 2025