The One Netball PNG program has a particular focus on activities to educate girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 15 on topics including self-confidence, communication, leadership, personal hygiene and menstrual health.
Formed under the umbrella of the Australian Government’s sport for development program Team Up, One Netball PNG is a powerful collaboration of Netball Australia, WaterAid and Netball PNG which also aims to create local advocates for critically important water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) principles.
According to Netball Australia’s Executive General Manager of Community and Market Development, Melonie Lowe, netball is a powerful force in creating connections and driving broader educational outcomes.
“The impact of sport on physical and mental health is well known,” Ms Lowe said.
“What this project also delivers is a vehicle for educating young people and future community leaders on the importance of key WaSH principles and that’s something with far-reaching benefits for PNG.”
The President of Netball PNG Mrs Ulato Avei welcomed the partnership and said the program would both introduce girls and boys to the many benefits of sport while contributing to the adoption of crucial WaSH behaviours.
Director – Programs, WaterAid PNG, Navara Kiene, said: “School-based netball, life skills and WASH programs have proven to be an innovative and fun method of increasing exposure to hygiene messages amongst students.”
One Netball PNG activities will be aimed at school-age adolescents during term time and school holidays and will be targeted to regions facing WaSH challenges.
The two-year program is funded by Team Up and Netball Australia and aligns with the Australian Government’s objectives of providing health security for PNG, with a particular emphasis on sustainable access to WaSH services for women and girls.
