No need to able to speak a certain language, one thing is the same where ever HKA goes -SMILES
Debbie Burns spent 2 months in Africa helping communities and young children that suffer with HIV. Given them strength and self belief empowering them and helping them find them some some inner strength.
Here is her story;
I joined the HKA team about four years ago now and whenever I’m not working abroad that’s where you’ll find me, jab crossing, round house kicking and squatting until my legs give in! I love it! I have gained so much from joining Carl Denne’s HKA family, and when the opportunity arose to fly off to Africa to help women and children living with HIV and AIDS, I grabbed the chance to share with them what Carl had taught me.
Throughout my time working in Nkotakhota we spent a lot of time with the ‘Tikondane’ youth group. They are a group of 18 HIV positive youths from the ages of 3 to 16 years. What a friendly, energetic bunch! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every visit! However amongst our discussions we had with in the group, the children often discussed how they were often bullied at school due to their statuses, this in turn affected their confidence and drive to go to school to get an education. Time for some HKA magic I thought!
At the begini
ng of the session we had a brief discussion about kick boxing, the correct way in which it should be used as well as how it is important it is to stay healthy and strong especially being HIV positive. HIV attacks the immune system causing whoever has it to pick up illnesses alot easier and frequently. Staying fit is a great way to fight HIV!
All of the children did an amazing job throughout the entire session! We all contributed in the warm up, the children had me jumping all over the place! I was exhausted afterwards! We then went on to do some partner work where we worked on our kicks, and punches! I saw some excellent team work from all of the partners! And finally before the warm down we had a very exciting competition! Carl very kindly donated a brand new HKA outfit! I wish you could have seen the children’s faces light up when I showed it to them! The challenge was simple, whoever can Plank the longest wins the HKA outfit! There was such determination in their little faces! They all wanted to win! The outcome amazed me!
Ronica phiri an 8 year old girl from the village, beat not only all of the boys in the group, but her teacher as well! Ronica planked for a very impressive 3 minutes 30 seconds! Now that’s what I called girl power!
HKA has gone gobel! We now have 18 new members! As well as 18 very imprising empowered youths! Job done!
