Adolescents from Buna and Kokoda in Oro Province recently graduated from Kokoda Track Foundation’s (KTF) Kicks 4 Kokoda sport for development program.
To great excitement, 168 students from schools in Kokoda (116 participants) and Buna (52 participants) from age ranges of 12 to 19 years, graduated from this health awareness and soccer-based skills training program.
After a nine-week program of activities focused on topics ranging from gender equality to changing adolescent bodies, the graduation of participants took place on the 27th and 28th of November in the respective locations of Buna Primary School ground and Kokoda Primary School ground to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.
Celebratory songs, or Kicks 4 Kokoda ‘KILOS’ rang out during the ceremonies.
Kicks 4 Kokoda uses the power of soccer to connect young women and men with the mentors, information, and health services they need to grow, develop, and thrive. KTF partnered with the PNG Olympic Committee and Grassroot Soccer to deliver the adolescent-focused sports program that has educated, inspired, and mobilised the youths to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and become agents of change in their communities.
The Kicks 4 Kokoda program, through the Team Up partnership, is supported by the Australian Government.
KTF Health Programs manager, Kate Donnellan shared her thoughts about the positive impacts of the program.
“The program has obviously created a special bond for the participants and Kicks 4 Kokoda coaches who now have each other for support with the challenges faced by adolescents in rural PNG. This demonstrates the importance of running such a program, even under COVID restrictions,” she said
Semi-Semi-professional soccer player and KTF Kicks 4 Kokoda Project Coordinator, Basil Jofari, has seen participants’ progress through the program.
“The best part of the Kicks 4 Kokoda program is seeing the kids coming out and expressing themselves during the activities. There was good feedback from the children in terms of their participation. At first, they were shy, but then the safe space was created which made it much easier for them to participate.”
The program was inclusive, promoting equal participation by male and female participants, as well as persons living with disabilities. Participant with additional needs, 12-year-old grade four student from Buna Primary School, Rose, was excited to be part of the cohort that recently graduated.
“The program has really helped me to be on the same level with my friends. I know and believe that my future is bright,” Rose said.
Kicks 4 Kokoda aims to leverage the transformative power of sport to support a positive shift in social norms that contribute to increased gender equality and improved wellbeing, all while having fun.
Meanwhile, the graduating participants are looking forward to the Kicks 4 Kokoda sports tournament involving PNGOC hero athletes and the local community, which will take place early next year in the province.