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Nonprofit Taekwondo classes use holistic approach to connect with Durham Public Schools students

A nonprofit is making a big difference in the Bull City.

Posted Updated

By
Monica Casey
, WRAL Durham reporter
DURHAM, N.C. — A nonprofit is making a big difference in the Bull City.

Sidekicks Academy is a Taekwondo program that teaches character building. It’s currently operating in two Durham Public Schools.

In the past two years, the program has resulted in better behavior from students, more interest in their academics and improved grades.

Founder Freddie McNeil said the program is about more than Taekwondo.

"We just don’t teach kicking and punching, it’s more or less about training the child holistically," McNeil said.

McNeil said the program focuses on respect and discipline.

"When you get those two character traits, then you can move on to educating that student," he said.

The program has goals of reducing disparities among marginalized communities and strengthening leadership qualities.

There are 40 boys and 15 girls participating in the program at R.N. Harris Elementary School, and 30 boys and 15 girl at Burton Magnet Elementary School.

The program includes extra tutoring for students, spearheaded by Director of Academic Tutoring Kelsey Perry.

"The students have been coming to school more; they’ve been more excited about school," Perry said. "I think a lot of that has to do with them getting that help in the academic tutoring side of things."

Perry is also the assistant director of mental health for Sidekicks, using her masters from North Carolina A&T University.

When R.N. Harris Principal Mshinda Brown saw the program in action at Burton Magnet Elementary, she brought it to her school.

"It’s a beautiful thing when you see boys of color engaged in something that’s meaningful," Brown said.

Brown said her teachers notice the difference.

"Both of the teachers have stated to me that the kids are more focused in the classroom because they have something to look forward to," Brown said.

Brown also credits higher testing scores, including in math, to the program.

"Not that, that’s everything, but it’s good to know that our kids are making gains," Brown said. "We made an over 40% proficiency gain over last year. Our ELA gain was over 20%, and that’s a whole lot."

Written testimonies from teachers said that students who participate in the program are better equipped to handle stress and turn in their homework on time.

Parents are also involved in the program, with tournaments each year to attend.

"Parents will tell me they notice changes at home too," Brown said.

The Sidekicks Academy also includes social justice education.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student and Director of Social Justice and Community Partnership Greear Webb said the focus is on being kind.

"It’s treating people fairly or equally especially considering any aspects of their background that maybe they can’t control," Webb said. "They’re sticking up for one another at recess and at lunch.

Webb also teaches the students about being an active citizen.

"I’ll talk to them about Black history or Latino history, or what’s going on in the world," Webb said.

While Sidekicks Academy currently operates as a nonprofit, they have a pending request to Durham Public Schools for funding.

The program recently expanded to include young girls of color at two elementary schools, and McNeil said they are working on additional partnerships.

Sidekicks is requesting $200,000 from the district, which includes $75,000 per pilot school, and $50,000 for the summer program. The funding is for protective equipment, staffing, Taekwondo education field trips, motivational speakers, and awards.

You can learn more about the program on its Facebook page or make a donation using the Cash App.

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