SVG sends rep’ to WKF Girls Instructor training course in Mexico

The Hairouna Karate Federation (HKF), has entered another historic achievement for the sport and community development here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG),with the selection of Sharen Bennett-Bascombe to represent the nation at the World Karate Federation’s (WKF) Guardian Girls Instructor Training Course in Mexico City, Mexico, from June 12–14, 2026.

On successful completion of the programme, Bennett-Bascombe will become a WKF Certified Guardian Girls Instructor, enabling SVG to officially implement the internationally recognized initiative and join a growing network of countries committed to using sport to address important social challenges.

The international training programme forms part of the WKF’s global Guardian Girls initiative, an innovative project that uses Karate as a platform to empower women and girls through practical self-defence, personal safety education, confidence building, and leadership development.

For the Hairouna Karate Federation, the achievement represents more than another international appointment.

“This is about creating safer, stronger, and more confident communities. Karate has always been about much more than winning medals. It teaches discipline, respect, courage, and resilience,” HKF president Claude Bascombe Jr. said.

“The Guardian Girls Programme allows us to use those values to empower women and girls with practical life skills that can help them protect themselves, build confidence, and become leaders within their communities.”

The Hairouna Karate Federation said it plans to leverage Bennett-Bascombe’s certification to establish a national Guardian Girls Programme that will collaborate with schools, youth organizations, sporting bodies, community groups, and other stakeholders to deliver workshops and educational programmes throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The initiative is expected to complement existing national efforts aimed at youth development, community engagement, and the prevention of violence against women and girls by providing practical education and life skills in a safe and supportive environment.