Huge demand for the OFC Just Play Programme in Fangaleóunga – a village in the Haápai Islands in Tonga – has led to the biweekly Sport for Development programme becoming a daily activity, with sessions running Monday to Saturday every week.
Using a beach soccer court to implement sessions, the village has participated in Just Play for over four years, educating the local children about healthy lifestyle choices, gender equality, inclusion, and keeping safe through active football-based activities.
Fangaleóunga village Just Play volunteer Litiani Tupou was more than happy to increase the number of sessions to six days a week after seeing such a positive response to physical exercise from children in the community.
“I joined Just Play with my understanding that we must run this programme once or twice a week, but the children wanted me to do it every day,” she said.
“I have to cook our dinner before 4pm because after school every day the Just Play kids – including my own children – are all gathered on the field and calling my name and if I don’t come they won’t stop calling me.”
“I have received a lot of positive feedback from all the parents in our community. They proudly talk about the change they have seen in their children since starting Just Play.”
Although Topou’s schedule has had to change to cater for the increased frequency of the programme, she has been grateful to have the full support of her husband, who has become an advocate for the programme after witnessing the positive impact it has on children first-hand.
“I am forever grateful for my husband as he allowed me to run the programme anytime,” she said.
“He noticed the big impact on our children, as they practised avoiding junk food and stopped buying frizzy drinks from the shops.
“We really appreciate the Just Play programme because the content is great as it teaches our young children to eat right and exercise every day while also helping to discipline them.”
Although the content of the programme has proven effective, Topou credits the success of the programme to the motivated and committed team leading sessions and delivering the programme in the village.
“I wish to thank the Just Play team for creating such a great programme that encourages our children to eat healthy food, and to love and enjoy exercise in a safe place.
“I feel very lucky because I have learnt a lot as well, and I would be proud to continue running the programme with the support of my husband and my community.’’
Photo OFC. Caption: Just Play volunteer Litiani Tupou (blue) with children from Fangaleóunga.