Healthy Nana Programme through Singing, Sports & Laughter

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 13 November 2026 – Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson, officially opened the Healthy Nana Programme batting the first three-balls at the Samoa Cricket Association Oval at Tuana’imato Thursday morning.

The programme targets women’s health is an initiative of the Samoa Cricket Association, and its partners t hat include the Samoa Police, the Cancer Society, the Australian High Commission and the LDS Upolu North Stake community.

Samoa Cricket Association Project Manager Teuila Vaega said the Nana Programme was established in 2021 and began in communities in Savai‘i and now running in Upolu.

It aims to strengthen women’s economic resilience and provide health education, life skills, financial literacy and sporting activities, particularly cricket.

Australia’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Will Robinson, batting the first three-balls to open the Healthy Nana Programme at the Samoa Cricket Association Oval at Tuana’imato, 12 November 2026.

In his keynote address, Mr Robinson said the programme brings together three things Samoa does incredibly well: singing, sport and laughter.

He acknowledged the Samoa Cricket Association and its partners for their work in establishing the initiative.

“We want to work together with all partners to create a way where all community members can participate on equal basics, free from violence and discrimination,” he said.

Women taking party in the Healthy Nanas Programme weaving baskets from coconut fronds.

Mr Robinson spoke about the economic, family and healthcare challenges women continue to face, including violence within families and communities.

He also acknowledged the men who attended the opening, saying the initiative would succeed when everyone worked together.

“Australia is really proud to support the initiative. It’s one that has been long-running and successful in supporting all the positive things in addressing community resilience,” he said.

He said the programme provides a safe space for women to exercise, spend time together, talk and laugh.

When women thrive, he added, their families, communities, countries and regions become stronger.

The opening programme continued with fun games, activities and Samoa usual chores including weaving baskets, de-husking coconuts and a cricket competition.