Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) has launched its Pa Enua outreach, starting with the Healthy Living Programme – a fun and interactive way to teach the young ones the importance of a healthy lifestyle – with rugby at the heart of the action.

On Monday, CIRU’s national development manager, Ben Koteka, alongside Korero o te Orau’s media officer and Atui’anga o te Tango programme lead, Nicolea Mateariki, departed Rarotonga for Mitiaro.

The Mitiaro leg marks week one of the six-week programme, working with students from Year 3 to Year 10. They will spend the week delivering this exciting programme in schools, CIRU said in a statement.

Koteka told Cook Islands News: “We are grateful for this opportunity, and happy to see the value of the school students here on Mitiaro. The school roll for Mitiaro this year is 28, last year when I came it was 29, and that’s everyone from ECE up to year 10.”

Cook Islands Rugby Union national development manager Ben Koteka conducts a drill with Mitiaro students. CIRU/25021220

Mitiaro may be the smallest school Koteka has visited in terms of enrolment, but it is also one of the best when it comes to not only academic studies but also its culture and traditions.

Koteka said: “The year 10 students have been very instrumental because I’ve been with them the longest, they are my main go to when it comes to getting the students sorted and making sure that everyone feels inclusive and is on the right track.”

“Otherwise, it’s been great so far, the kids have just been excited to learn and participate in the activities. I am also very grateful to have a set of hands here to help me out, and very thankful to have like-minded people such as Korero O te Orau.”

Mitiaro student ready for a game of rugby as part of the Healthy Living Programme. NICOLEA MATEARIKI/25021221

Yesterday, Korero o te Orau’s Mateariki gave a presentation on the cultural and environmental activities that the organisation continues to teach and raise awareness about.

She said they link to the healthy living programme, and this is something the children were excited about, especially seeing a new face and a young person connect with the students.

The duo’s trip would not have been possible without the support of their partners, Air Rarotonga, Korero O te Orau, Cook Islands Rugby Union, Cook Islands Building Supplies and Vodafone Cook Islands.

“Meitaki ma’ata and God bless you all.”