Pacific Outreach Program - Samoa Program Evaluation Research Report

Executive Summary Program Background: The NRL’s Pacific Outreach Program is delivered via funding support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Innovation funding, corporate support and the NRL. Program Aim: The Pacific Outreach Program was funded using a DFAT innovation grant, corporate support and the NRL, and extends the League for Life programming that was originally implemented in Papua New Guinea. The program focus and implementation varies depending on the unique requirements of each country, but improving overall wellbeing and children’s engagement with education are key components. Purpose of this Report: To undertake a qualitative research evaluation of the Pacific Outreach Program in Samoa to identify progress and indicators of program success held by the various stakeholders in Australia and Samoa. Key Findings: This review has followed three overarching themes and has identified areas where progress has been made, in combination with highlighting issues that can be addressed to improve the program. The three themes are: 1) State of Play: Contextual Factors Influencing Sport-For-Development in Samoa, 2) Progress Achieved and 3) League for Life Development Areas. Key findings within each are outlined below. • State of Play, contextual factors influencing sport-for-development in Samoa: The program is situated within a unique context, with factors categorised into Macro (broad environmental context), Meso (operating environment, e.g. key stakeholders) and Micro Levels (internal operations). The NRL has most control over the Meso and Micro Levels. • Progress Achieved: Successful establishment of League for Life in Samoa, refinement of program aims, stakeholder engagement, training provision, professional development of staff in-country, delivery of sporting opportunities for marginalised groups, social and behavioural messaging/outcomes, and the promotion of rugby league in Samoa. • Areas For Development: Further training of NRL staff and establishing clear career development pathways, providing coaching and accreditation opportunities, adjusting the delivery of teacher training to improve engagement, stakeholder engagement and communication, provision of program resources and more sport equipment, organising more competitions and tournaments, allocation of more staffing resources, and assisting with combating transport barriers to program expansion and logistics.