My name is Ouma Chaane, I am 23 years old. I am a volunteer Vochelie (a Greek word for youth leader) at MaAfrika Tikkun. I do after school programmes with vulnerable children such as life skills and various games including sports.

I am looking forward at going on this trip and since it is my first time to learn karate, I’d love to be involved physically and mentally. The reason is that the community I live in has a high rate of crime and women and child abuse.

Since I am working with vulnerable children, I believe it will be helpful to learn karate skills and defense so that if a come across a dangerous situation where I am likely to be attacked, both my community and myself, I can be able to defend myself.

At the moment I am eager to learn karate practically. Since karate as a sport involves the whole being, including spiritual growth I can’t wait to begin hence I’ve already started by learning meditation and it is very helpful for mind and body. I hope karate will add to my progress to increase self confidence as I am the motivator to vulnerable children, not forgetting self esteem and courage.

When I come back I want to share my skill with the community, the care givers and the children I work with. I will love to include karate in our after school programmes and teaching adults living with HIV/AIDS to look after themselves and live a healthy life style.

I want to believe that learning karate, will not only benefit me but it will also benefit the community I live in.