For my international development research project, I will work in the International Taekwondo (China) Federation Beijing branch as an instructor to teach and promote Taekwondo and explore its relationship with ‘interest education’ and development. I believe education is the most important element of personal development because every domain in contemporary world needs accumulated knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and cultural awareness to achieve sustainable development.
‘Interest education’, in China includes both elective subjects and extra-curricular activities, can effectively complement basic education. Despite its importance, it has only been given attention from a few professional organizations in developed or developing countries. Most NGOs, civil society organizations and governments usually pay more attention in building basic education system, rather than promoting basic ‘interest education’.
I recognize the importance of ‘interest education’ for the education system. For example, sports as a part of ‘interest education’ can support children not only learn basic safety, health awareness and spirit building but also enhance physical fitness and reduce disease through training.
Even though my placement organization is a non-for-profit organization, it is still affected by different politics, the economy and culture, and can contribute to the sustainable development goals. So, the aim of my project, in the long-range, is to contribute to promoting the role of ‘interest education’, in particular sports, such as Taekwondo, in achieving the sustainable development goals. In the medium-term, the aim is to promote the learning of Taekwondo in schools and local communities. In the short-term, it aims to develop the interest and skills of current children and young people in Taekwondo for personal, moral and spiritual development.
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