The school has run after school Taekwon-Do club for their pupils for two years.
Unfortunately, due to government cuts this year they no longer have the funding to run any clubs facilitated by external instructors/teachers.
Taekwon-Do is a traditional martial art, and it rapidly spreads around the world. Its benefits for children have been long recognised. In many European countries it became part of the school curriculum. It not only provides children with physical education, improves fitness and confidence, but it also teaches discipline, focus, instils respect and integrity - all qualities and attributes that show in every day life, at home, at school, on the streets.
The school is situated in an area with a high level of social deprivation, drug use and youth gangs. In fact, the school is on the street where yet another 21-year old young man was stabbed to death on 1st of October 2017.
We believe an activity such as Taekwon-Do can engage children for a very long term, if not for life, and take them through difficult teenage years with the support of the club, the parents and the school. It is important to engage children at the age of 6-7, so that by the time they are teenagers they chose to apply themselves, have support and encouragement of a group and instructors and, most importantly, be safe.
We would like to continue to facilitate this activity at the school. A mere £1,800 will provide a fully qualified professional instructor once a week for the whole academic year.
Here is a note from the school coordinator:
It's been such a wonderful experience for the pupils of Bonner Mile End and I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work.
If you are able to source funding yourself and would like to return at any point, you would be welcomed with open arms!