The Rwanda Karate Federation (Ferwaka), in collaboration with the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement under the auspices of UNESCO, has launched a new project ‘Martial Arts Open School’ aimed at promoting karate in schools in the country.

Running from June 11 through July 21, the project targets to use karate to boost the physical and psychological development of students, as well as improving their leadership skills and community engagement.

The participants will be trained in karate philosophies, cultural values and techniques in a quest to ignite their interest and passion for martial arts and karate in particular.

Lycée Notre-Dame de Cîteaux and Collège Saint-André, two secondary schools based in Kigali, make the inaugural cohort.

Altogether, 442 students will be taking part, of whom are 305 girls.

As part of the training, the students will also have an opportunity to learn the Olympic values under the instruction of Jean De Dieu Mukundiyukuri, the Executive Director at the Rwanda National Olympic Committee.

"We hope that this is the beginning of a new era in the teaching of karate, especially in schools,” said Theogene Uwayo, the Ferwaka President, noting that "When children grow up loving and engaging in sports, it helps them to learn better and lead healthier lives.”

Chief Instructor Noel Nkuranyabahizi, who is also the head coach of the National Karate Team, described the project as a timely initiative that addresses the current need for the federation to work with other institutions to teach karate in as many schools as possible.

"Just a few days after we started this project, it has shown me that there is a lot of talent in schools and children are interested. Bringing more sports like this to girls’ only schools is a good way to promote the girl child and gender equality in the sports industry,” he said.

The International Centre for Martial Arts (ICM), at global level, was established in December 2016 as a result of an agreement between Korea and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO).

The project’s vision, officials say, is to contribute to the ‘wellbeing and cohesive humanity’ through martial arts.

Discipline and respect are some of the core values taught in Karate. / Courtesy

Jean-Claude Rugigana, the project manager, is upbeat that it will help the students be fit, disciplined and learn better in class. / Courtesy

The six-week programme started with 442 students, including 305 girls. / Courtesy