UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts (ICM) Visit to Mombasa

The Mombasa County Taekwondo Association (MCTA) was proud to welcome the UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts (ICM) delegation to Mombasa, Kenya, for a comprehensive visit to the ongoing UNESCO ICM 10th Martial Arts Open School Programme.

The visit provided an important opportunity to showcase the impact of the programme and bring together martial arts, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), environmental conservation, youth development, culture, and partnership. It also created a platform for sharing experiences, strengthening relationships, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

Thursday, August 06, 2026 | Arrival to Mombasa 🇰🇪

MCTA officially welcomed the UNESCO ICM delegation upon their arrival in Mombasa. The visit began with a programme briefing and an opportunity for the delegation to experience the ongoing Global Citizenship Education (GCED) activities at Patana Academy, Likoni Sub-County.

The engagement offered the delegation a firsthand look at how martial arts training is being combined with education to develop confident, disciplined, responsible, and active young citizens.

Friday, August 07, 2026 | Beach Clean-Up and Environmental Conservation

The delegation joined MCTA coaches, students, community stakeholders, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for a beach clean-up exercise at Shelly Beach, Likoni.

The activity promoted:

• Responsible waste management
• Marine conservation
• Protection of marine life
• Environmental responsibility
• Community participation

The beach clean-up demonstrated that the programme goes far beyond the training hall. Through community service and environmental activities, young athletes are being encouraged to understand their responsibilities to their communities and the environment.

Saturday, August 08, 2026 | MZ Open Taekwondo Championship

The UNESCO ICM delegation joined MCTA at the MZ Open Taekwondo Championship, bringing together athletes and clubs for a day filled with competition, friendship, discipline, and sportsmanship.

The delegation participated as special guests, interacting with athletes and coaches, witnessing the competition, and taking part in the medal presentation ceremony.

"For our young athletes, receiving medals from the UNESCO ICM delegation was a memorable moment and an inspiration to continue working hard."

The presence of the UNESCO ICM delegation added a special dimension to the championship and reinforced the connection between martial arts, education, youth empowerment, and international cooperation.

Monday, August 10, 2026 | Building the Future Together

The visit concluded with a meeting between the UNESCO ICM delegation and the County Government of Mombasa, Department of Youth, Gender and Sports.

Discussions focused on strengthening the impact and sustainability of the programme, with key areas including:

• Programme achievements and lessons learned
• Youth empowerment through sports
• Sustainability of the Martial Arts Open School Programme
• Expansion of Taekwondo to more public schools
• Combating drug and substance abuse through sports
• Environmental conservation and community service
• Future UNESCO ICM–MCTA–County Government partnerships

Building Stronger Partnerships Through Martial Arts

The visit highlighted the power of partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. By bringing together international organisations, government institutions, schools, coaches, communities, and martial arts practitioners, the programme continues to create a holistic environment for youth development.

MCTA remains committed to using Taekwondo as a platform for developing not only skilled athletes, but also responsible citizens, environmental champions, confident young leaders, and positive role models within the community.

We sincerely thank the UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts (ICM) delegation for believing in the vision and potential of the Mombasa County Taekwondo Association and for taking the time to experience the programme and engage with our athletes, coaches, schools, communities, and partners.

Karibu Mombasa tena!
Thank you, UNESCO ICM, for being part of our journey.