Currently employed by the NRL as a well-being officer in Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands provincial township of Goroka, Roger Nugure is leaving his mark.
After joining the team in 2014, one of Mr Nugure's many tasks is to help deliver NRL programs through sign language to special need students.
Inclusiveness is an NRL value and a vital component of all the NRL-run programs in PNG.
The NRL EHP team regularly visit primary schools to deliver lessons in class. The programs are designed to be fun, interactive and inclusive of boys and girls of all abilities.
Mr Nugure’s position is one of great significance, as he enables students with speech and hearing impairments to participate in lessons and classroom discussions.
NRL staff recently invited two Faniufa Sacred Heart Primary students with speech and hearing impairments to attend a well-being session with Mr Nugure.
He delivered a lesson on “Food for Your Mood”, educating students on how eating healthy increases concentration levels.
Mr Nugure instructed the students in sign language and gave the pair activities to do, one of which was to identify healthy foods their favourite NRL player was most likely to choose for breakfast and lunch.
NRL well-being is a health outcome program which utilises the popularity of rugby league in PNG to inspire children to make healthy food choices.
The program uses reading materials featuring prominent NRL stars, both male and female, and with Papua New Guinean heritage.
Living with a speech and hearing impairment has not hindered Mr Nugure from being an active member of the team. He is energetic, stays healthy and contributes to his community through the much-loved national sport.
Besides his work with the NRL, Mr Nugure devotes his free time assisting the coach and trainer of his local team “New Wawo”, while also playing as a forward in the local competition in Goroka.
Mr Nugure is a fine example of what people can accomplish if they are passionate enough and believe in themselves.
