Oceania Football has developed a Just Play Emergency Programme in response to relief efforts in Fiji following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
The programme was developed by the OFC Social Responsibility department in collaboration with UNICEF Pacific.
Fiji Just Play Project Manager Lavenia Yalovi said the programme "focuses on increasing knowledge and understanding of coping with an emergency" and "covers handwashing and water safety, food security and safety and security in the wake of an emergency".
A projected 15,000 children will be reached, with 1,620 community volunteers trained to deliver the 4 or 8 week programmes.
UNICEF Pacific Representative, Karen Allen said "UNICEF Pacific in partnership with OFC and through the Fiji Football Association, supported a training on psychological first aid for 28 Just Play facilitators in Suva and 10 Just Play facilitators in the Western Division."
Dr Allen said "After Cyclone Winston, we know that many schools were damaged, destroyed or occupied by people who lost their entire homes. Therefore children and teachers need assistance to get back to school and learning, with special post-emergency psycho-social care also available to aid their recovery from trauma and loss."
UNICEF Pacific and OFC also collaborated on an emergency programme in Vanuatu last year, in response to Tropical Cyclone Pam.
Photo: OFC
