New pathway opens to Koiari youths

Weekender

By JOE GURINA
YOUTHS, a very important sector of any society, inevitably shape the environment they live in – positively or otherwise.
When they are directed in a positive manner, they become productive and responsible citizens in their communities.
But when they are neglected by society, they tend to fend for themselves in illegal activities to be occupied or to provide for themselves. This is because they are not given an opportunity or pathway to realise their real potentials.
Last week I met up with the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) James Enage for lunch.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear from him that he was creating pathways for youths of Koiari in Sogeri, Central, with a concep the had initiated.
The concept is rugby league combined with community development to give youths an opening to recognise their full potential when participating at the community level through sports, says Enage.
He is creating avenues to start a “mental revolution” for youths in the area and I am indebted to Enage as a son of Koiari.
“After seeing youths heavily involved in the abuse of drugs, homebrew and alcohol, I initiated the concept of a rugby nines programme mainly to get youths out of substance abuse.
“The programme diverts the youths’ mindsets away from the free handout mentality as well.
For too long we have been dependant on free the handout mentality.
“From this programme, youths will realise their full potential and be self-dependant,” Enage said.
He said the programme would open doors of opportunity for employment and education.
“The programme is tied down with the Koiari Rugby League and players will be engaged in community service activities. From participating in community service activities, they will gain respect from the community and that will help groom them in having the right attitude and enhance their mental capacity while they participate at the community level,” Enage said.
Such was the case when the league witnessed a trouble-free rugby nines grand final on March 11. The community had a lot of respect to the youths for their part in cleaning the Sogeri township through the programme. There was no violence from supporters and spectators, which used to be a norm in every past grand final.
Community leader Kelly Kots Womara told Enage that for the first time Koiari Rugby League has had a trouble-free grand finale.
“I used to be a player before, and all our grand finals back in those years ended up in violence.
But this grand final is a unique one witnessed today.”
Womara said this was the outcome of the programme and he thanked Enage for initiating it for the whole community to see and appreciate the outcomes.
The grand final was the first for the Koiari Rugby League under the concept that commenced in November last year.
“It was an eye opener for the crowd at the grand final and the community enjoyed the day with fun-filled and entertaining activities- the first in the history of Koiari Rugby League.”
He said players in the programme were given the opportunity to also gain international exposure by participating in organised rugby league nines tournaments in Australia annually, starting next year.
“We will select players according to their performance and commitment to community services for which they have a set target of 800 hours to meet.
“Community service determines your progress to the next level. If a player is very skilful on the field but is not committed to community service, he automatically is not considered.
“So this is all about grooming youths to have the right attitude – to help them think positive and change their thinking to be responsible citizens,” Enage said.
The nines programme has two parts. The first part will have the tournament running from
November to the first week of February the following year.
The second part engages players in community service activities, including cleaning up Sogeri township.
“I have started that off by giving five grass cutters,” Enage said.
Meanwhile, Enage said they were into selecting a final 25- man squad to participate at the Edmonta rugby league nines tournament in Cairns next February.
The players were selected in the inaugural nines grand final on March 11 that coincided with the official launch of the programme.
Central Governor Robert Agarobe has indicated that he would support the programme.

  • The author is a freelance journalist.