Cricket programme addressing social issues

By ROBINSON LEKA
MAHURU youths are now helping address social issues in the village after Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) rolled out its Cricket for Good programme in the National Capital District on Friday.
The introduction of the programme in Mahuru challenged youths to take responsibility in their community and to pursue a career in sports through the programme. “Mahuru is a humble village,” Mahuru United church chairman Pere Geita said.
“Even though we’re a small village, we are so grateful and we’ll make sure to grab that opportunity with both hands.
“What you (CPNG) have brought to the village is not done in vain,” he said.
“Our village is not one that is known for playing cricket but we have recently produced some of the national players like Hiri Hiri Jr.
“Many young people would love to play cricket and this is something that adds purpose to their lives.”
Geita said although there was a stigma around villages in Port Moresby as breeding places for crime and other illicit activities, he urged youths to use the programme to develop themselves in sports and improve their way of living. Programme manager Margaret Sibona said the programme was intended to help youths understand bad habits like violence, alcoholism and substance abuse, and show ways to address them.
The programme will run in Mahuru for the next nine weeks.
Participants will graduate with certificates to pursue further training in sports development, administration and coaching.