Kicks 4 kokoda
Kicks 4 Kokoda is a unique partnership for the historic Kokoda region, using the power of soccer to connect young women and men with the mentors, information and health services they need to grow, develop and thrive. Since the program started in 2021, over 770+ adolescents have participated, inspiring young people to become game changers in their communities.
To do so, we’re bringing together three organisations’ expertise: KTF’s long-established networks and extensive operations in the region, including health facilities throughout the Kokoda catchment; the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee’s (PNGOC) commitment to excellence in sport and the values that underpin it – Excellence, Friendship and Respect; and Grassroot Soccer’s proven global track record in delivering adolescent-focussed programs that educate, inspire and mobilise youth to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and become agents for change in their communities.
Through the fun and camaraderie of soccer, the ‘world’s game’ that appeals to both girls and boys, we’ll help the Kokoda region’s large youth population overcome some of the challenges they face including limited access to quality health services and referral pathways, inequality of girls and boys, and a high incidence of gender-based violence. At this vulnerable age (12-19 years old), access to accurate information and fundamental health services is critical for positive development.
K4K locations
We’re focusing on three communities in Oro province - Kou Kou village near Kokoda, Kebara and Gorari – home to KTF health facilities. KTF community health workers or local teachers co-ordinate the program and are trained as youth-friendly “K4K SKILLZ Coaches:” to understand the mindset and priorities of adolescents; inspire young people to engage in their communities in more inclusive and gender-equitable ways; promote inclusivity in sport; and proactively facilitate adolescents' uptake of sexual reproductive health and gender-based violence services.
Relationship SKILLZ
K4K SKILLZ Coaches will regularly deliver “Relationship SKILLZ,” a nine-session, mixed-gender, sport-based learning intervention developed by Grassroot Soccer and tailored specifically for the Kokoda community.
As mentors and role models, they will promote active engagement in sport and support adolescents to navigate the health system while encouraging health-seeking behaviours in the community. To ensure the available services meet the needs of young people, K4K SKILLZ Coaches will support adolescents to engage the design and development of youth-friendly corners at the KTF aid posts.
Sports tournaments
KTF and PNGOC have hosted 8 community tournaments so far and are a highlight of the program for the community. Olympic HERO national athletes attend local tournaments and encourage the local community to participate in sports. The inclusive tournaments champion inclusive engagement in sport – by females, males and people with a disability – and inspire all athletes to embody the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship. These sporting events will also double as unique service delivery points for health providers to increase general community awareness members on sexual reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, and to facilitate access to primary health care services in a non-traditional setting which is conducive to reaching parts of the population who may not typically seek care at health facilities, including adolescents.
We’re integrating youth-friendly sport programming into the community health care setting and introducing 500 adolescents to the vibrant world of sport in a safe and gender inclusive manner. We’ll set the stage for women and girls to actively participate in sport while strengthening community cohesion and building young people's self-efficacy, leadership capacity, and peer networks. Ultimately, Kicks 4 Kokoda will leverage the transformative power of sport to support a positive shift in the enabling environment and contribute to the reduction of structural and societal barriers to gender equality and wellbeing such as teen pregnancy, harmful gender norms, and violence against women.
Click here to check out the Kicks for Kokoda evaluation and read about the remarkable impact of this program.
Transforming lives through sport
Partnerships across Asia-Pacific that use sport to bring people together, champion inclusion and create opportunities.
Team Up is supported by the Australian Government.
