This was different from the usual game of cricket, where the mothers were up to play with the children on the sidelines cheering them on.

Women in Malaemalu and Salamumu are combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) using cricket under the Healthy Nanas Program being rolled out by the Samoa International Cricket Association (SICA).

Australian High Commission's First Secretary, Greg Furness said that the Australian government is committed to supporting Samoa through cricket as part of their flagship program Team-Up.

This program focuses on ensuring that women are active through the sport of cricket and also save lives by addressing the risk factors of NCDs while using them as a vehicle for thriving a healthy community.

“We encourage healthy living, healthy lifestyles and active participation of people in all levels of sport to address non-communicable diseases and gender equality in society,” he said

“It is important to us that everyone has the opportunity to live healthy and have their lives free from barriers such as gender inequality. We continue to see the amazing achievements on and off the sports field of what women and girls can do as athletes, officials, leaders and supporters.

“Participation in physical activity significantly reduces the risk of developing NCDs and it is important that this becomes part of our daily lives. We believe we can make a difference in the lives of people and sport is a powerful tool for healthy people, better communities and healthy lifestyles.”

The Healthy Nanas Program has reached 11 villages of which two are in Savaii and nine in Upolu under the first phase of the Team Up Program which has been extended for another two and a half years. 

Through the Healthy Nanas Program, the women have learned to enhance and develop home economic skills, such as cooking healthy meals, planting various vegetable gardens and creating different floral arrangements to name a few to help provide for their families.

They have been exposed to many educational programs and opportunities to inspire and empower themselves through working with Samoa Cricket partners in Government Ministries, private sector and non-government organisations. The educational programs aim to enhance social economic skills, boost self-confidence and develop leadership skills to address issues of domestic violence, cyberbullying and financial literacy in the family and communities.