Arawa Urban Youth Association and International Partners Unite to Build Bougainville Children's Playground

Over the past two weeks, a coalition of local and international organizations have been working together to install equipment for the Bougainville Children’s Playground in Arawa. The project aims to provide a safe, engaging space for children and create broader social benefits for the community.

The effort is being led by the Bougainville Sankamap Australia Association Inc, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Frankston (Australia), Bougainville Arawa Rotary Community Corps, Arawa Urban Youth Association and the Arawa Urban Council.

Initiated by Bougainville Sankamap Australia Association Inc, the playground project is designed to support early childhood development by offering a secure environment where children can play, socialize, and grow. The project focuses on providing children with access to physical activity and social interaction in a space built specifically for their needs.

The initiative refers to children as “Little Humans,” emphasizing the need to nurture and protect the youngest members of the community.

Beyond serving children, the project has also created new avenues for youth involvement in Arawa. For young people—particularly those not currently in school—the initiative has offered a meaningful way to engage with the community. Youth volunteers have participated in logistics, site preparation, and installation tasks, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to a long-term civic improvement effort.

The Arawa Urban Council has been actively involved in facilitating the project, helping to coordinate logistics and ensuring the timely delivery and installation of playground equipment.

The playground is set to open soon, adding an important recreational and developmental resource to the Arawa community. The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on inclusive, community-driven development across Bougainville.