Localization Means Sustainability: Meet Coach Asif Sabah of THF Azraq Academy 16
TAEKWONDO Official Publication of WT
“My main motivation is simply giving these children something that will give them the chance to see something that will bring them back some of the hope they’ve lost,” said Coach Asif Sabah of his unique group of students. “Sport can make their life better; it can refine their personalities, and give them something to hang on to.” His students are Syrian refugees, many of who have suffered traumatic experiences, but Sabah offers them a life-enhancing skill: He is the local taekwondo coach at the THF Academy in Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan. Born in Zaraq, Jordan, in 1969, Sabah took up the sport at the age of 19 and started teaching it in 2002. He has also become a
qualified taekwondo first-level referee and possesses vast knowledge of techniques and rules. Before working with the THF, Sabah managed his own taekwondo training center in the village of Azraq, near the camp. It was there that he took in a couple of Syrian refugees who wanted to participate in training sessions. Seeing the impact taekwondo had on these individuals filled him with joy, and is the main reason he joined the THF’s cause. In order to ensure that its programs are sustainable, the THF focuses on localization so hired Sabah. He has been coaching at the Azraq Academy since it opened in April 2016. Still, he recognizes the challenges of both
the students and their environment. “These kids have been through a lot, and dealing with them isn’t always smooth and easy,” he admitted. However, Sabah finds his work extremely rewarding. “I am really touched by how fast their psychology, and their emotional state can change.” he said. Over time, Sabah has gained their trust and built strong relationships with his students. “It’s a relationship based on love and respect, it’s much bigger than a coach with his students, I’m very fortunate that they look up to me,” Sabah said. “On the other hand, I am learning a lot from them every day.” A strong believer in the values of discipline, respect, order and responsibility of action, he
conveys these values in every training session. As a result, Sabah believes strongly that the sport will be of great benefit to the refugees over the long term. “Taekwondo will raise and improve the self-confidence of these children, directing their attention towards something useful and benefitting them in many ways,” he explained. Sabah hopes to continue working with refugees well into the future, providing them with long-term benefits and opportunities: “I hope that one day I can help my students gain taekwondo professionalism and grant them the opportunity to travel and participate in taekwondo championships all around the world,” he said.
Social Responsibility
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