Cricket programme completes 10-week training in Central

A TOTAL of 39 participants completed their training under Cricket Papua New Guinea’s (CPNG) Cricket for Good programme at Porebada village in Central last week.
During a ceremony, CPNG acting general manager Lakani Oala acknowledged the participants’ efforts throughout the 10-week programme.
“The programme does a lot for cricket at the development level and also it helps address important issues faced by a lot villages,” he said.
“For our development officers and facilitators, it helps them identify junior and new talents for cricket, it provides opportunities to enhance our other programmes in communities and schools.
“Our staff members try to help participants avoid negative peer pressure and learn the values of social inclusion and equal participation.
“It helps everyone understand all forms of violence and instils confidence and good behaviour by showing them cricket values and ethics.”
During the presentation of certificates to the participants, programme manager Margaret Sibona said while still in its infancy, the initiative had received international recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its impact in local communities.
She said that while it was encouraging to roll out the programme, CPNG still faced many challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Porebada is the third village to complete the programme behind Pari and Tubusereia. Badihagwa Secondary School was successfully used as a pilot project last year.