In 2024, the Just Play program experienced an inspiring year of growth and impact, especially with the launch of our new curriculum on Gender Equality in Tongatapu.
We enthusiastically trained 20 dedicated volunteers from various communities in Tongatapu. Our program reached an impressive 74 Government Primary Schools in Tongatapu, along with 16 in Vava’u, seven in Ha’apai, two on Niuafo’ou Island and one of the Special Schools for People with Disability which is the ‘Ofa Tui moe ‘Amanaki Centre. This initiative is paving the way for a remarkable official launch this year in Vava’u and Ha’apai.
To foster excitement and understanding around gender equality, we organized lively festivals in Vava’u and Ha’apai. Each island engaged Government Primary Schools with a week full of fun activities, mini-matches, and discussions focused on gender equality. These festivals not only celebrated the spirit of the school participants but also provided a wonderful platform for sharing insights and building understanding before the official curriculum rollout. The enthusiasm displayed by participants showcased their eagerness to embrace change and inclusivity.
Throughout the year, we celebrated three important international days: Safe Sport Day, End Violence against Women Day, and Disability Inclusion Day. These events served as powerful reminders of our commitment to these vital issues, helping us amplify our message within schools and disability centres. Moreover, we took part in the 16 Days of Activism campaign, using our media platform to raise awareness and advocate for gender equality and the elimination of violence against women.
While our program has faced its share of challenges, including competing school programs, transportation hurdles, volunteer engagement, and limited playground spaces, these obstacles have only strengthened our resolve. To navigate these difficulties, we empowered our volunteers with creativity and knowledge, enabling them to adapt to any situation that arises during the program’s execution.
“I am greatly proud of our dedicated team and volunteers for their unwavering efforts. Many of them were new to volunteering, but their eagerness to give back to a program that has been fundamental in shaping their football careers is truly inspiring. Despite the yearly challenges we encounter, our unwavering spirit and desire to nurture the next generation will always remain in our hearts,” shared Master Instructor Lafaele Moala.
One of the shining highlights of our 2024 program was the inclusion of Niuafo’ou Island, a beautiful yet remote location in Tonga. Thanks to the incredible support from ‘Ioane Falekaono, a dedicated Sports Officer from the Ministry of Education, we expanded our reach to this island. The successful integration of Niuafo’ou not only deepened our connections with diverse communities but also allowed us to spread our message to a wider audience.
By the end of the year, our program proudly made a positive impact over 7,000 participants. As we reflect on 2024, it is clear that our commitment to promoting gender equality and increasing school engagement is paving the way for a more inclusive future. We are excited to build on this strong foundation as we move forward into 2025.
