NRL hype inspiring children in Gerehu as Streetsmart initiative uses rugby league to empower youths
What began in 2020 as a grassroots response to youth unemployment and social issues in Gerehu has now grown into a major youth empowerment program — using the power of sports to change lives.
The Streetsmart Initiative, Co-Founded by Mozart Kaiulo and Noel Vere with the support of Joseph Gombo in the suburb of Gerehu stage 3, are working to bring transformation to hundreds of young people in the city, many of whom are out of school, unemployed, or involved in crime.
Through sport, education, and community partnerships, the program offers a second chance to those often overlooked by formal systems.
“We saw a lot of youths without opportunities; not in school, not working, and disconnected from development in the city,” program co-founder Mozart Kaiulo told NBC News.
“So we used what we knew best [sport] to create a platform for change.”
The initiative, which started with fewer than ten children, now engages over 200 youths, including boys and girls from surrounding settlements such as Tete, Keasu, Fai-entina, and also from Waigani, Tokarara and Hohola.
While rugby league is the main draw, boosted by the growing popularity of the PNG Hunters and NRL, the program’s impact goes well beyond the playing field.
Through partnerships with the Moresby North West District Office, over 1,050 youths have been enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training [TVET] programs, and another 600 have joined the Urban Youth Program under NCDC.
Additionally, around 300 children have been helped back into primary and secondary education, while plans are underway to partner with adult literacy groups to reach those unable to read or write.
“We’re using sport to attract them, but we’re also guiding them into education, employment, and living a peaceful community life,” Kaiulo said.
“Some of these kids come from broken homes or difficult environments. We try to give them hope.”
The initiative also provides life skills training, CV writing workshops, and access to community sports competitions like the Capital Rugby Union and Port Moresby Rugby League. Notably, two participants have recently been selected for the Port Moresby Vipers Development Squad in the National Youth Competition, highlighting the program's potential to develop professional talent.
Funding has largely come from the co-founders’ own pockets, though the program, we secured support from the Moresby North West Office through a sports grant, which helped stage a tournament involving over 500 youths.
After the successful tournament, the group formed a club called Kerehu Juniors Rugby League Club that saw their participation in the 2025 Junior Darbaris National Youth Competition Tournament early this year, and futher going to participate in the Dabaris Juniors Competition with teams in the under-13, 15, 17, and 19 categories.
Beyond sport, the program offers character-building sessions, encouraging participants to become responsible citizens, improve behavior, and envision a better future.
“It’s not just about playing rugby,” Kaiulo said.
“It’s about helping these youths realize they can change. With the right mindset, the right attitude, and the right support, no one has to stay stuck in their situation.”
As the program grows, the Streetsmart team is calling for more partners, sponsors, and supporters to help sustain and expand its work throughout the National Capital District.