Building confidence and movement skills in Tonga

Late last year, Australian KinderGym expert Sheryl Faulkner visited Tonga to deliver a series of KinderGym workshops in partnership with OGU. The visit supported OGU’s focus on providing simple, accessible ways for communities across the region to introduce basic gymnastics and encourage children to move with confidence. 

Over the week, Sheryl worked with teachers at ACTS Community School to explore KinderGym techniques, including music, creative learning and interactive games. She also introduced basic gymnastics circuits for the children, using everyday items and makeshift equipment available at the school.

Even with limited resources, the children fully embraced each activity and had plenty of fun throughout the sessions. 

To help teachers continue the program, resources and materials were provided to the school, giving them the tools to run KinderGym-style activities in their own classes.  

This training supports the early steps of growing gymnastics in Tonga by building teachers’ confidence and offering new movement opportunities for young people. 

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing how quickly the children responded to the activities. Their enthusiasm and energy created a lively environment for everyone involved. 

Sheryl said she was grateful for the opportunity to introduce KinderGym and FreeG to the community and was inspired by the commitment of local teachers to bring new movement experiences to their students.  

The visit reflects OGU’s broader work to support member federations and help more children across the region enjoy gymnastics in ways that are fun, simple and accessible.