The MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club plans to continue promoting boxing at the grassroots level with another series of school boxing clinics scheduled for September in the Ohangwena region. 

Joseph Bernhard, the club owner and founder, started the initiative last year to empower both teachers and learners by introducing them to boxing fundamentals. 

“We are looking at visiting three schools in the Ohangwena region, where we will continue with basic boxing skills for teachers and learners,” Bernhard said yesterday. 

So far, the programme has reached over 30 schools in five regions, including Zambezi, Kavango East and West, and Oshana. More than 100 teachers have been trained, and some have started their own academies after learning about the programme. 

The promoter credited MTC for sponsoring the initiative, stating that their support made it possible to provide not only boxing training but also equipment and stationery worth N$10 000 to participating schools. “I have teachers calling me that they have started their own academies in their respective areas after we gave them training knowledge… I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey,” he said. 

The programme’s impact has already been felt at the school level. 

Simasiku Thomas, a teacher who benefited from the training, praised the initiative, saying it has transformed learners’ attitudes and discipline. 

“I have since been training my pupils at school after we successfully received training from the boxing club. Some learners have become more disciplined after taking up boxing. It has brought something exciting into our school,” he said. 

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na