An intelligent teacher shaping young minds in Tonga. That is what Katoa Lomu of Ha’ateiho dreaming of and currently trying to do. Making a change in his community through football is his wish since he became a volunteer with the Just Play Programme.
Katoa had no football background until he was introduced to football by goalkeeper instructor Soane Motekiai Faupula, becoming involved in a coach education training which led him to become a Just Play volunteer two years ago.
With first-hand experience of the problems faced by the children and youth in his community, Katoa has been encouraged to make a change by getting them involved to the Just Play Programme and football.
“In my community which is the village of Ha’ateiho, there are children and youth that are dropping out from schools at a young age and become troublemakers. I want to get them involved in the programme and encourage them to know that there are still opportunities available which can lead them to a better life,” Katoa said.
The Just Play Programme has had an impact on Katoa and the youth in his community through messages which they can learn from and apply to life. Katoa believes that the Just Play Programme has ignited change not only for himself, but for the youth in his community as a whole.
“Sport-to-Life skills make me enjoy influencing and motivating children and youth in my community especially those who feel unwanted and are living without a goal to achieve in life. I’ve chosen the word “CHANGE” as a description for the programme.
“I have witnessed the changes in these children which more children becoming involved in the programme and football. Children that were dropping out from school are going back to school and some are working to help their parents,” explained Katoa.
Impacting children’s’ lives through sports can lead them to more opportunities and becoming good leaders in the future.
For Katoa, the opportunity to have an influence on the lives of children in his community outside of the classroom has proven an added bonus.
“I have never gained anything from this but the skills and everything I have learned from the Just Play Programme has strengthened me, motivated me, and given me the energy to keep doing what I do now.”
Just Play Programme is a co-funded sport for development programme by the Australia Government, New Zealand Government, UEFA Foundation for Children. Australia Football Federation, UNICEF and OFC operated under the Tonga Football Association.
