NRL Fiji supports Kindergartens with wellbeing programs

NRL Development Fiji visited the combined Kalabu Village Mobile Kindergarten and 'Bright Little Ones' in Manukau Suva preschool to promote the NRL wellbeing program.

The program's major focus is to provide and engage mothers with a better understanding of nutrition and healthier options as well as enhancing motor skill activities for the children.

The NRL home reader book 'A Journey around the Field with Stripes the Tiger' was well received by the children who participated in activities based on the book. This was then followed by a discussion with mothers on the difference between natural and processed sugar and the harm processed sugar can have on children.

Mothers received information on how to provide a healthier lunch box based on the 'two fruit and five vegetable' concept. This was followed by a second visit with a focus on a Healthy Lunch Box check and having mothers interact with their children in all motor skill activities.

The message must have made an impression as all lunch boxes had fruit, vegies, eggs and water for lunch - a big change from previous high fat and sugar foods in their lunch boxes.

NRL Fiji & Fiji Sport Commission Outreach Program

NRL Development Fiji in conjunction with Fiji Sport Commission visited the village of Marou to conduct a combined Sport Outreach program.

The five-day visit started on Naviti Island, which is part of the Yasawa Island group on the western side of Fiji, at 4am with a four hour drive, four hour boat trip followed by a one hour small boat ride to the destination.

Most of the participants from the ten villages walked up to four to six hours through heavy terrain and mountains to get to Marou to participate in the Sports Outreach program.

Rugby League was well received with the villagers taking part in 20 hours of coach/referee theory and practical modules.

On the final day, participants conducted the first ever 'League For Life' program at a local Fijian primary school.

The League For Life concept aims to make children more effectively play and organise games for themselves by allowing them to negotiate the format and rules to suit the needs and capabilities of the group. This is especially important in regionals areas of Fiji.

Train the Trainer Program in Suvavau and Rami Villages

NRL Development Fiji provided a three day Train the Trainer program for Suvavau and Rami village of Suva.

The Train the Trainer program provides education on club structure and coach education. A total of five woman and 13 men participated in the event with each village receiving an NRL package containing footballs, kicking tee, markers, ball pump, whistle and practical resources supplied by Fiji Sport Commission.