BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Sport in Solomon Islands is proving to be more than just competition, with the Hookin4Health program placing education and life values at the heart of its community outreach.
Hookin4Health Solomon Islands in-country coordinator Joachim Rande says the initiative is focused on nurturing young people both on and off the field through structured weekly activities.
“With this program, we have three days in a week of training sessions. During trainings we do education sessions before we do field sessions,” Rande said.
He said the program attracts participants as young as six years old up to adults, creating an inclusive environment where learning comes first.
“In the education session, we give the kids health tips and values to help them in their learning at school and also… in their living in the society,” he said.
Rande said beyond sport, the program teaches awareness of risks and promotes positive character traits.
“We helped them to be aware of risks and dangers… and also giving them good values like respect, obedience,” he added.
Unlike many sporting initiatives, Hookin4Health is free and open to all, including people living with disabilities.
“This program is an all-inclusive program, regardless of disability, age… you are free to come,” Rande said.
Sessions run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with additional development programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, alongside planned school, community and provincial outreach visits this year.
The program’s impact has also been recognised in a recent social media post by Hookin4Health Solomon Islands, highlighting its deeper mission.
“Sports are a powerful classroom where the lessons learned—like empathy, integrity, and respect—are just as vital as any skill played on the hockey pitch,” the post read.
It further noted that, “when we prioritize character over competition, we aren’t just building athletes; we are shaping the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.”
Supported by partners including the Australian High Commission and International Hockey Federation, the program continues to expand its reach.
With plans to extend into provinces, Hookin4Health is steadily building a pathway where sport becomes a vehicle for education, inclusion and positive social change in Solomon Islands.
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