In the JRS’s dojo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, young boys and girls from local and refugee communities participate in Judo classes conducted under the watchful eye of Tesfaye. As a Judo black belt and one of two Ethiopians with an international Judo license, he has been actively involved in Judo training at the JRS Youth Centre since 2019.

According to Tesfaye, sport has a transformative power: “Judo unites and brings children together, both refugees and those from the local community. It instils values of discipline and respect for others.”

Despite the mental and physical benefits, there are few places in the country where Judo can be practised. In fact, the Olympic sport is not yet very popular in Ethiopia, and it is not easy to secure funds for materials and to pay the salaries of the instructors.

Despite these challenges, JRS Ethiopia and Tesfaye continue to coach a team composed of young, motivated athletes, with different backgrounds and stories, but all united by their passion for Judo.

Samrawit, 13 years old, originally from Ethiopia

“It is good to do it [Judo] together with refugee children. We make friends, and we learn from each other.”

Samrawit first started practising Judo in February 2023 and now aspires to become the best female judoka in Ethiopia!

Introduced to Judo classes by a friend at school, she quickly overcame her initial shyness and now enjoys competing and training with her peers.

In the future, Samrawit dreams of contributing to the development of the sport in Ethiopia.

Michaie, 15 years old, Eritrean refugee in Ethiopia

Michaie arrived in Ethiopia in 2019 and has been dedicated to judo for two years now. Contrary to his family’s initial stereotypes of Judo as a sport that fuels violence, Michaie has proved the opposite. Discipline and respect for others are intrinsic characteristics of this sport, which Michaie embraced, accompanying him along his journey of personal growth.

He wants to finish school and pursue higher studies in the field of social work to contribute meaningfully to society.

Even, 11 years old, Eritrean refugee in Ethiopia

Arriving in Ethiopia in 2018, Even and his sister were among the first students to enrol in the JRS Judo programme in 2019. He has continued to practise with perseverance and dedication for four years, achieving significant progress.

Judo helped him build self-confidence. Now, in addition to his aspiration of becoming a poet, he also dreams of practising judo at a professional level.

*this article was originally published by JRS Eastern Africa.