The Story of Karate Training Upskilling At Risk Children Across Communities

Child Activity Centers were established with the vision of providing a nurturing and safe space to children within the communities they inhabit. As the centers developed over the years, though, they advanced into becoming a hub of skill development and social awareness for both children and their parents—the latest skill gaining interest being self-defence.

Meaningful Engagement Gives Way to a New Skill

Child Activity Centres had gained a strong foothold within Delhi’s and Ghaziabad’s communities. Children had found a safe and nurturing space, and parents found immense relief in the knowledge that their children were protected. It was during this time, that parents began approaching RCI’s outreach members with a request to facilitate some extra classes and lessons to engage children in some fruitful activities. Their requests were met with serious interventions and Karate classes were planned for children of these communities, as a mode of learning and skill development.

Past and Present–Initial Response and the Current Picture

In wide, barren grounds or nearby parks of these urban slums, a motley group of adolescent boys and girls practicing karate and taekwondo lead by a professional teacher are now a common sight.

A mix of both school-going and those who don’t attend these classes, after having replaced their evening shenanigans with meaningful learning.

When the concept of self-defence classes was first pitched to parents in communities, though, parents of young girls showed some hesitancy. “Ladkiyon ke liye kahan karate classes! Kuch aur nahi kar sakte? (Karate classes don’t make sense for young girls. Can’t we look for other classes for them?)

Our team then put special efforts in conveying the importance of self defence classes in the lives of girls. “Self defence is a life skill that has no concern with gender. In fact, girls were only set to benefit from the added skill,” elaborates Sandip Jha, Program Manager, RCI.

Turns out the trust that community members held in our team and team members’ persuasive words helped drive the point home, as the present batch of learners comprise more number of girls than boys!

In the Words of Sensei

Mr. Jeetendra Rai, Karate trainer, conducting sessions across communities in Ghaziabad and Delhi explains “Sports is a way of living life. Some of the kids attending the sessions are extremely talented and stand to gain a lot from further training. Joining Indian military and air force are available options for these kids if they go the sporting way.”

When adolescent boys show a deeper interest in the session and ask if they too can make a career like Rai sir, the goal of empowering young minds with multiple, resourceful alternatives feels closer to fulfilment.

Going forward, team RCI also plans on distributing uniforms for these lessons.

From conception to execution, our generous donors Mukul Madhav Foundation and Airbnb played an impactful role. Team RCI extends a heartfelt gratitude to their teams for their belief and support. It is collaborations such as these that can bring monumental, impactful changes in the lives of young minds.