Tumbuna Pikinini festival passes cultural knowledge to next generation

Elders together will children taking part in traditional dancing during the Tumbuna Pikini festival in Aroma, Central (Image: NCC)

The first-ever Tumbuna Pikinini Cultural Festival in Aroma Coast, Central Province, is giving elders and children a platform to pass cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.

Held at Aroma Primary School from September 8 to 9, the festival brought together children from early childhood, elementary and primary schools across the 19 wards of Maopa.

Through traditional dances, music, bilum weaving, storytelling and cultural displays, elders shared their knowledge, customs and traditions with the younger generation.

The festival directors say the initiative is aimed at ensuring traditional practices, languages and cultural identity are not lost, but continue to live through the children.

National Cultural Commission representative Eugene Avediba said the festival demonstrated the importance of cultural education and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

"NCC is committed to supporting the festival, which will also serve as a lead-up event to the Maopa Levapuka Tovi Cultural Festival," he said.

The NCC has pledged K10,000 in funding, together with logistics and technical support.

Organisers hope the Tumbuna Pikinini Cultural Festival will become an annual event, strengthening cultural preservation and community pride by connecting the wisdom of elders with the next generation.