Tshwane Judo Association (TJA) together with the Agape Foundation strives to make a difference in the lives of children from a less privileged background. TJA empowers the children with judo and self-defence skills, and through this build their self-confidence in a drug and alcohol prone environment.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Agape foundation was formed by a group of ladies that felt the need to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, families and communities. Their aim is to implement programmes which will inspire, educate and encourage communities to achieve personal excellence and become resourceful contributors to their communities. They focus on supporting children and youth from less privileged environments, preparing them for life success. They achieve this through partnerships and through a number of innovative programmes.

Sustainability is important to them. Their motto is to help people to help themselves. They believe in giving people the tools, education and inspiration to make it on their own. Ultimately, successful men and women enable successful communities and family success.

We live in a society that is bombarded with negativity and crime. TJA wants to be part of the solution, to make SA a better place for everyone. By starting a development program teaching the children / youth judo and self-defence skills, not only do they grow and develop, they gain self-confidence and self-worth.

PROJECT DETAIL

i. GOAL
• The goal of this development program is to grow and develop the sport Judo in South Africa and empower children from a less privileged background with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a difference in their communities.

ii. OBJECTIVES
• Provide skills and knowledge to the children/youth to empower them.
• To improve their self-confidence and self-worth.
• To develop skills through an on-going programme.

iii. METHODS
• Judo and self-defence classes once a week.
• One class for the girls and one class for the boys.

iv. PARTICIPANTS
• Girls : 22 (6 – 15 years old)
• Boys : 20 (6 – 15 years old)

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

The judo / self-defence classes are held in a building that the Nellmapius community use for church and other community events. This building has no floor installed. The soil is covered with loose laying carpet tiles and off cuts. Thus the floor is very uneven and unhygienic. TJA sponsored 36 judo mats for the Agape development program.

NEEDED RESOURCES

i. FACILITIES
• A permanent floor installed in the hall that they are practising in.

ii. MONETARY
• Transportation to and from competitions and grading.
• Competition, grading and registration fees.
• Sponsor for a motivational speaker or sport star sharing their journey and / or dream.
• Tshwane judo kit for the judokas participating in the SA schools tournament.