THE Zim Ninja Academy launched a six-day free swimming programme on Tuesday, offering its young karate students a chance to learn basic water safety and life-saving skills.
The initiative, held at the Zimbabwe Water Safety Trust’s pool in Harare, seeks to reduce the country’s high drowning rate, particularly among children with little or no swimming experience.
Coach Victor Kazembe, who organised the clinic, said the first session drew 30 participants aged 7 to 15.
“The first day of the 6-day clinic was a resounding success, and I'm excited to share that the kids have shown remarkable enthusiasm and potential. What surprised me most was the varying levels of comfort in the water - while some kids were naturals, others needed a bit more encouragement," Kazembe told NewsDay Sport.
"However, the karate kids have shown incredible discipline and focus, which has made the learning process incredibly rewarding. It's heartening to see them push past their fears and take their first strokes."
He added that the programme will also cover basic first aid and resuscitation techniques.
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"One thing that's become clear is the importance of tailoring our approach to each child's unique needs. Some kids thrive on positive reinforcement, while others need a bit more structure,” Kazembe said.
“By recognising and adapting to these individual differences, we'll be able to create a more effective and supportive learning environment. This flexibility will undoubtedly make the rest of the clinic even more productive and enjoyable for everyone involved.”
Debbie Wetzlar, founder and trustee of Water Safety Trust Zimbabwe and Aquakidz Swim School, highlighted the importance of early water exposure.
"What I can say is that these children are obviously very disciplined and already exposed to sports where there's a strong discipline, which I liked. I had immediate respect for the fact that in the martial arts that they're doing with Zim Ninjas, they've already learned self-discipline and self-skill that's already there,” she said.
"So to take them from that environment and into a water environment, we were hoping that the transition wouldn't be too much, because they're already quite sporting children. From what we can see today, most of the children have no exposure to water. So, it's overcoming that fear that's important."
The clinic runs until December 19, with each day consisting of at least two 45-minute sessions.
The Zim Ninja Academy’s recent success at the ICO World Championships in the United Kingdom — where its team won 43 medals — has boosted morale and attracted community support for the water safety effort. Academy head Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, who led the championship contingent, praised the partnership with the Water Safety Trust.
“Our children have shown extraordinary dedication on the tatami. Now, they will learn to apply that same focus to staying safe in water,” he said.
Parents who attended the opening session expressed gratitude.
“My little daughter was terrified of water, but after today she’s already asking when the next lesson is,” said Jestin Mukonyora, the mother of Santima and Amara.