The Rwandan Taekwondo Federation has launched a refugee initiative with the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation ©THF

The Rwanda Taekwondo Federation (RTF) has launched an initiative to get refugees involved in the sport in the Kiziba Camp, located in the Karongi district of Western Province.

The initiative forms part of a wider plan by the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF), the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the RTF to promote the sport among refugees.

The RTF also plans to implement a number of humanitarian projects in other refugee camps in the country.

"The refugees in this Camp, especially the youth, were thrilled and showed eagerness to learn the sport," said RFT secretary general, Placide Mugabo.

The THF, which was established by the WTF, aims to empower refugee children by teaching them taekwondo.

China's Huamin Charity Foundation donated $600,000 (£470,000/€558,000) to the THF and the WTF in December in an effort to establish taekwondo academies for child refugees.

The initiative is being implemented in the Kiziba Camp, located in the Karongi district of Western Province ©RTF
The initiative is being implemented in the Kiziba Camp, located in the Karongi district of Western Province ©RTF

The money will be used to establish purpose-built taekwondo facilities in countries including Jordan, Rwanda and Ethiopia over the next three years.

As one of the most economical and easily accessible sports on earth, taekwondo is seen as ideal for refugees.

"Taekwondo teaches physical fitness, self-defence, self-confidence and self-belief and is a gift that, once given, cannot be taken away," WTF President Chungwon Choue said when signing the funding deal back in December.

"It can be practiced by anyone at any time and any place."