Encouraging diversity and better eating habits through play in Nouméa

Jérémy, a sports instructor with the Nouméa City Council's sports department, discovered Playadgogie during his BPJEPS training in Aix. He was immediately convinced by the approach: by integrating sports games into learning, he saw a concrete and engaging way to address social issues with young people.

Three years later, he is putting this knowledge into practice as part of the Sport Action program, a municipal initiative that offers free sports sessions to children in the city. Every Wednesday and during school holidays, he leads sessions for 8-12 year olds, an age group that represents the majority of participants. These young people come freely to enjoy the municipal facilities. In this context, Jérémy uses Playdagogie sessions to raise awareness of major issues: gender equality and the adoption of better eating habits.

Challenging gender stereotypes through sport

Previously, sports activities were very gendered: girls and boys tended to naturally divide themselves into different activities, with some remaining more in the background while others took up more space. Aware of this dynamic, Jeremy sought to create a more inclusive environment by gradually changing the way he formed his groups and incorporating activities that promoted mixed cooperation.

The Playdagogie sessions on gender equality were a key lever in this transformation. By setting up these workshops, Jérémy enabled young people to experience situations that challenged gender stereotypes in a concrete way. These playful experiences were then reinforced by exchanges and discussions, giving them the opportunity to express their feelings and confront their perceptions.

Combined with changes to the organization of sports sessions, this approach had a visible impact: over the months, girls' attendance increased significantly, to the point that by the end of the year, there were as many, if not more, girls than boys. Above all, perceptions of roles have changed: during discussions at the end of the sessions, some girls began to question preconceived ideas about tasks and responsibilities, for example by questioning the role of boys in the kitchen or in household chores. These questions demonstrate the impact of these sessions far beyond the sports field.

Far from being a simple logistical adjustment, this combined effort of concrete changes and Playdagogie sessions has created a lasting dynamic: today, the groups are mixed without distinction of activities, and young people freely practice the sports they want, without fear of being judged by others.

Eating better: a major challenge in Nouméa

The issue of nutrition is a key concern for the young people Jérémy works with. In Nouméa, children often prefer cheap, sugary snacks to fresh fruit. Similarly, they tend to choose sugary drinks over water. These choices are often linked to ingrained habits and a lack of awareness of the impacts of a balanced diet, making it a key focus of the work carried out with young people. While obesity is not widespread, the risks of diabetes and other chronic diseases are very real, rooted in eating habits that are passed down within families.

By incorporating Playdagogie sessions on healthy eating, Jérémy gradually raised awareness. The approach works because it goes beyond theoretical messages: through play, children experience situations that encourage them to think about their food choices. He has already seen some initial changes: some children now bring bottles of water and fruit to school, and the discussions sometimes extend to their families. The goal remains a long-term project, but the impact is very real. 

A model to be replicated

Thanks to these successful experiences, Jérémy wants to expand the use of Playdagogie throughout Nouméa, continuing to promote diversity and better nutrition, but also addressing other issues that are essential for young people, such as conflict management, combating violence, and road safety. He notes that the playful and participatory approach facilitates young people's engagement and allows them to become aware of concrete issues while remaining in a positive and engaging environment.