Students wear uniforms at home for lockdown lessons
LOCKDOWN has seen many youth groups and after-school clubs close, but Cardiff Bangladeshi Society has found an innovative way to continue its martial arts classes.
Both lockdowns saw all non-elite sports close down immediately, however the CBS, based in Riverside, has organised Zoom classes to bridge that gap.
“I took the incentive to provide these lessons but did not charge for them at all because I know how people were struggling financially,” said Salam Abdul, chairman of the CBS.
With a recent Ofsted report showing the damaging impact the Coronavirus lockdown has had on children and young people, this kind of work to keep children physically and mentally active is more important than ever.
Mr Abdul has maintained the high levels of discipline that Taekwondo is known for. Despite being at home, all the children wear their uniform, called a dobok, along with their belts and they are insured to take part.
The Zoom sessions have allowed them to progress, whilst being graded along the way.
Even with schools returning, the children, who are aged six and over, are continuing to engage with the training.
“A few children joined the sessions during lockdown, and they are still enjoying the sessions every week,” said Mr Abdul.
Now those Zoom classes have been combined with those of the Welsh Taekwondo Dragons, which Mr Abdul runs.
“All I wanted was the best for my students,” he said.
The sessions ran six days a week during the school closure to ensure that the children did not miss out.
Parents and guardians are involved with feedback sessions.
In-person classes are usually held at the South Riverside Community Development Centre.
