Rai Coast kids learn a bit of kung fu

By JAMES KILA
THE TRADITIONAL Chinese martial arts of kung fu and tai chi exercises added extra flair to Ramu NiCo Management’s (MCC) observation of the recent National Mining Safety Week at Ganglau Elementary School in a far-flung corner of Rai Coast, Madang.
Preparatory and elementary school pupils and their teachers were privileged and thrilled to be part of a live demonstration of Chinese kung fu and tah chi techniques and exercises on Tuesday, April 24, with Dr Ming Meng, a medical superintendent from MCC Basamuk processing plant as part of the National Mining Safety Week (NMSW) celebrations.
“In China, children love to do exercises daily, in the morning before they go to school and also in the evening,” Meng said.
The Chinese medical officer encouraged the children in Rai Coast to do daily physical exercises before school to keep fit and healthy.
“Having a healthy lifestyle has a direct influence on the state of your physical body and this includes having physical exercises daily and having healthy and nutritious meals every day,” he said.
Ramu NiCo’s theme for this year’s NMSW was ‘Fitness For Work’ but for the children, it was “Fit For School”, which basically meant children going to school every day in the best physical, mental, and emotional fitness.
Ramu NiCo medical officer, Shem Silas, during the school visit urged the students to be fit for school by washing their hands every day before eating and adopting a healthy lifestyle because there was a correlation in the theme ‘Fitness For Work’ for mine workers and ‘Fitness For’ School’ for the children.
Representatives from MCC’s health, safety and environment sections discussed various topics on how to look after the environment, health and safety of the students, school and the village community.
An excited school board chairman, Utei Udid told the children that the Chinese kung fu exercise techniques only seen demonstrated by movie stars such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and the late Bruce Lee were seen for real.
He also urged the children to take part in the demonstration and follow Meng’s instructions in various kung fu techniques particularly for physical exercises and stretches.
MCC vice president, Wang Baowen officially opened the company’s NMSW events.
Superintendent of environment with Ramu NiCo Moses Ya’a explained that fitness for work meant that individuals were physically, mentally and emotionally capable of undertaking their jobs, enabling employees to perform assigned tasks competently and in a manner that did not compromise the safety or health of themselves or others.
Ya’a, together with Meng were part of a team comprising the Basamuk processing site health, safety and environment, community affairs and emergency response team (ERT) who visited Ganglau Elementary School to share the pearls of knowledge on safety with the children, teachers and parents.
Various speakers including ERT superintendent, Venansius Sapak spoke about how to how to safely use fire, while medical officer, Shem Silas spoke on the children’s personal health and hygiene.
This was followed by rapid malaria testing by Ramu NiCo medical staff, Shem Silas and a community health worker from Ganglau clinic, followed by distribution of free treated mosquito nets to the children and their parents.
The NMSW was observed at all MCC operation sites at Kurumbukari Mine, Basamuk processing plant and Madang operations base.
Activities ranged from impairment awareness, poster competitions, school visits, community awareness, emergency response demonstrations, safety quizzes and prizes for engagement in the week’s activities.
MCC mines manager operations, Bill Hill urged the Ramu NiCo workers at Basamuk to use the opportunity to engage in activities during the week, open their mind to change and expose themselves to different thinking, by talking to their colleagues and sharing their thoughts and ideas.
“Ask yourself these questions: Can you change your life choices to be a healthier person at home or in camp? Can you take time to reflect on your work habits or those of your colleagues and make changes to reduce fatigue at work?
“If you said ‘yes’ to either of these questions, make a plan and then make a change to your life or work style to improve your fitness for work,” Hill said.

• James Kila is a Public Relations Officer with Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd.