Campaign by Story
A History of Friendship between BGS and Papua New Guinea
Prior to the disruption of Covid, up to three hundred BGS boys and staff (including Headmaster Michael Urwin) had been warmly welcomed and hosted by Martyrs Memorial School in Papua New Guinea.
This had rekindled a connection that stretched back to the 1960s, when BGS boys first visited Papua New Guinea to work on projects benefitting Martyrs School.
It is fitting that our Annual House Athletics Carnival fundraising cause partners with ‘The Martyrs Gift’ and is timed so close to Martyrs Day (2 September), thereby maintaining links BGS have with our friends in PNG
Honour the martyrs by supporting literacy in Papua New Guinea
As the Second World War reached Papua New Guinea, twelve Anglican martyrs chose to remain in that country with the people they loved. They were teachers, nurses, priests, builders and evangelists – servant leaders who embodied Christ’s love in action.
The story of the New Guinea Martyrs is a living witness to faith, courage and the call for peace.
Today, we honour their memory through the Martyrs Gift – supporting education, strong leadership and brighter futures for our neighbours in Papua New Guinea.
Your gift of literacy opens doors of opportunity
Papua New Guinea has a wealth of natural resources, yet for ordinary people, subsistence living is still a daily reality. Many families cannot afford the fees to keep children in school, meaning that students drop out before learning to read, write and do basic maths.
But with your generous support, we are working with our local Anglican partner to run adult literacy classes, giving people a precious second chance at an education.
Tehillah is a young woman from near Popondetta in Oro Province.
Five years ago, Tehillah dropped out of school because her family could not afford the school fees and bus fare. For a while she stayed home, worried that her education was over.
But then Tehillah heard that the Anglican Church was running an adult literacy school in her village. She wondered if this could be her second chance and found the courage to enrol.
“English and Science are my favourite subjects,” Tehillah says. As well as reading, writing, maths and science, Tehillah has learnt practical skills such as chicken farming and planting food crops, which she has put into practice.
She has seen change in her community too. “Boys and girls who once stayed home are now coming to class and making progress,” she says.
After graduating with her literacy certificate, Tehillah now feels hopeful about her future and is planning to enrol in further education. “I want to earn my Grade 12 certificate, and maybe one day become a teacher,” she says.
Across Papua New Guinea, there are thousands of people like Tehillah who have had their education cut short. Your gift gives them a second chance
YOUR IMPACT
Your gift of literacy creates positive change
Honouring the Legacy of the Martyrs
We remember the New Guinea Martyrs not because they sought death, but because they chose presence. They remained with the people they loved, sharing danger, suffering and hope.
Today we honour the martyrs by standing alongside our neighbours in Papua New Guinea, offering practical help as partners in God’s mission.