Across the Pacific, participating member associations are using the power of football to educate communities about natural disasters, with a strong focus on safeguarding practices that protect and support children.
Earlier this month, primary school participants were selected to take part in a three-day training programme hosted by participating member associations. The initiative focused on equipping teachers with the skills to become coaches within their schools, enabling them to better prepare students for natural disasters—an ever-present threat in the Pacific Islands, where cyclones, flooding, and tsunamis are common.
By delivering education through play, important safety messages are shared in a way that is engaging, practical, and easy for children to understand. The course provided an in-depth exploration of the types of natural disasters likely to affect each country, alongside hands-on activities and practical sessions.
Participants learned how to:
- Identify designated safe zones for different disaster scenarios
- Respond effectively during emergencies
- Reinforce preparedness through interactive drills and simulations
“An Emergency Preparedness plan on the shelf is not enough, it needs to be a living document that teachers, staff, and students know by heart through consistent drills and simulations, and in our case through the Just Play sessions.”
Maria Rufina, Social Responsibility Manager, Solomon Islands Football Federation
The true value of the training is seen when teachers can calmly and confidently guide their students to safety. This level of preparedness comes from repeated practice, where responses become second nature.
As a result, the programme has helped increase teachers’ confidence in protecting their students and strengthened the development of school evacuation procedures.
“It’s not just important, it is a matter of survival. Our region is on the front line of climate change, and Oceania is one of the most disaster-prone areas on earth.” Maria Rufina.
Educating member associations in disaster preparedness is critical, particularly in countries like Samoa, where low-lying coastal areas are highly vulnerable to severe flooding and tsunamis.
In Samoa, the team at Samoa Football Federation delivered activities designed to address common challenges faced in school environments, while encouraging discussion around practical solutions.
“Community resilience is key. Our football children often act as agents of change by sharing what they learn from their teachers with their families, helping communities better prepare for natural disasters.”
Pele Taei, Social Responsibility and Just Play Manager, Samoa Football Federation
Through this ripple effect, is passed on from the classroom and into homes and communities, strengthening overall disaster readiness.
“Just Play is using football to deliver social messages in a way that is engaging and relatable for children. The messages are integrated directly into Just Play football sessions for the Emergency Preparedness curriculum.”
With the support of team members Laumata Lafoga, Just Play Coordinator, and Filipez Ikenasiol, Data Entry Officer, the programme continues to expand its reach helping to create safer, more prepared school environments across the nation.
Photo Credit: Solomon Islands Football Federation & Samoa Football Federation