VCA Launch Outreach Program on North Efate
The Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA) Outreach Programme was officially launched at Manua Centre School in North Efate on Wednesday 11th May 2011. Over 500 school kids and teachers attended to witness the ceremony.
Official speeches were made by VCA President Mark Stafford, Provincial Education Officer for Shefa Province, Robert Reggie, the Deputy Secretary General for Shefa Province, Ernest Kaloris followed by a dedication and closing prayer by Zone Curriculum Adviser (ZCA) for North Efate, Morrison Kalmaire.
In his official speech, the PEO for Shefa Province, Mr. Robert Reggie expressed his full support for the development of cricket in the schools in and around North Efate and off shore islands. He emphasized how important sport plays a part in the lives of our young people today.
The Deputy Secretary of Shefa Province, Mr. Ernest Kaloris in his speech also mentioned Shefa Province's support for the Outreach Program and also acknowledged the EU for the financial assistance.
After the official speeches, the school kids enjoyed an hour and a half learning about the basics of cricket with VCA Development Officers.
Lunch was prepared and served by the Paunangisu Mother's for all present on the day.
Cricket gear for the Outreach Programme was distributed to all schools on the day.
With financial assistance from the European Union (EU), the "VCA Outreach" Programme aims to provide an opportunity for primary and secondary school students aged 6 to 18 years, boys and girls, their teachers, families and community units, to learn the basics of the game of cricket and to promote organized and regular participation in sporting activities at both school and community level with the potential to progress through the VCA's existing structures and towards national selection.
The VCA Outreach Programme is also well supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP).
At the same time the "VCA Outreach" Programme will incorporate the delivery of social and health related education.
Both the Vanuatu Cricket Association and the Delegation of the European Union to Vanuatu express their satisfaction that EU funding will help to take the message of cricket and social issues to the students in the schools outside of the Port Vila area and thus promote national unity as the participants will experience intra-island, inter-island and possibly international competition exposure.