Solomon Islands Football Federation Just Play department sent a team of three to Western Province to deliver three COVID-19 awareness festivals in north Vella la Vella and Gizo this week.
The team consist of Regional Coordinator, Michael Bate’e and coordinators Vanessa Kausimae and Grace Sula.
On Tuesday 8th, the team had a short but productive brief with the volunteers, 10 in total, 3 of which are community volunteers and out of 10, only two were male.
The festival was held on Wednesday 9th at Valapata Primary School which attracted more than 200 children from age 6 to 15 years.
Just Play coordinator and instructor, Vanessa Kauaimae lauds the community spirit of the hosts.
“It was very encouraging to see the community come out in good numbers to share the excitement that was evident on every childโs faces, ” she said.
“Eager with interest to also see how this festival was to eventuate, I know it might not be what they were expecting. Of course, as more than one individual had mentioned, it was a first of its kind to have unfolded in Valapata village”.
Kausimae stressed that the children and the community as a whole have learned something new from the event.
“Without doubt, I know because of these children and from these children, even the older part of the population have also learnt from this festival.”
Aside from knowing that the children would be coming out to play, little did they know that fundamental key elements and messages based on WASH(Wash, Sanitation and Hygiene) were integrated into the games also of which, โhandwashingโ played the ultimate focus overall”.
Deputy head teacher of Valapata extension school acknowledges the Just Play team for delivering an eye-opener festival in one of Western province’s remote community.
” I would like to thank Just Play for bringing this programme to our school which is first of its kind, ” he said.
“I believe the children have learned many positive lessons from the activities they involved in.” Our team believe that they are contributing positively to the lives of the children.
