In a sustained effort to strengthen socioeconomic development in rural communities, the Saemaul Undong Foundation (SUF) has trained children and youths in taekwondo and art from two underserved communities in Katsina State.

The event, featured participants from Makera in Dutsinma Local Government Area and Raddawa in Matazu Local Government Area, two communities where the foundation has been running youth development programmes for the past two years.

According to the foundation, at least 100 children are trained annually from the two communities, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 200 children within the last two years.

The training focused on essential social and life skills such as politeness, positive attitude, teamwork, communication, interpersonal interaction, and self-regulation, competencies SUF considers vital for building responsible and community-oriented young citizens.

In addition to the general life-skills programme, 50 children undergo specialised taekwondo coaching each year. The Korean martial art, which emphasises discipline, self-control, and effective punching and kicking techniques, forms part of SUF’s cultural exchange and youth empowerment agenda.

Speaking during the event, SUF’s Field Officer in Makera, Malam Isma’il Muhammad, highlighted the importance of exposing rural children to structured physical and cultural activities.
He noted that the taekwondo demonstrations by the trained children were not only a display of skill but also a strategic intervention to equip young people with self-defence techniques.

“With the security situation in many rural communities, these skills are becoming increasingly important. Beyond that, we are helping these children build confidence, discipline, and resilience to navigate daily challenges,” he said.

Muhammad reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to expanding its work in Katsina, adding that SUF will continue to partner with the state government to enhance the welfare of children, youths, and farmers.

The competition drew the attention of the Katsina State Ministry for Youth and Sports Development, represented by the Commissioner, Engr. Yazid Surajo Abukur, whose deputy, Alhaji Nafi’u Garba Tudun Wada, stood in for him at the occasion.

Speaking on behalf of the commissioner, Wada praised the Saemaul Undong Foundation for its sustained investment in human capital development across rural areas of the state.

“This programme is timely, impactful, and highly commendable. By equipping our children with discipline, confidence, and life-shaping skills, SUF is strengthening the foundations of our future workforce and leadership. The ministry remains fully committed to supporting such transformative initiatives,” he said

Saemaul Undong, a global development model originating from South Korea, has consistently focused on improving rural livelihoods in various countries through community mobilisation, skills development, and cultural exchange.

In Katsina State, the foundation’s youth-focused initiative forms part of a broader effort to boost resilience, reduce social vulnerability, and nurture responsible young leaders who can contribute meaningfully to community growth.

Parents and community leaders who attended the event expressed gratitude to the foundation, noting visible improvements in the behaviour, confidence, and communication abilities of the participating children.