A refugee’s dream to build community in the boxing gym | Percival Tussamba | TED & TEDxBrighton

Key Concepts

• Refugee experience: Challenges of finding belonging, overcoming isolation, and combating discrimination.
• Boxing as a transformative tool: Building physical and mental strength, fostering perseverance, patience, and persistence.
• PT Square Fitness: A proposed initiative to provide a safe space for young refugees to learn boxing, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging.
• Giving back to the community: Empowering young refugees to become leaders and mentors within their communities.

Percamba's Story: From Angola to the UK

Percamba recounts his journey from Angola to the UK as an asylum seeker in 2017 due to his father's affiliation with FLEK (Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda). He highlights the stark contrast between Cabinda's rich natural resources (especially oil) and the impoverished living conditions of its people, drawing a parallel to the situation in the Congo.

Upon arriving in the UK, Percamba struggled to find a sense of belonging, often feeling like an outsider and facing discrimination. He describes experiencing the "stranger in town syndrome," feeling alienated and misunderstood despite simply trying to integrate.

Boxing as a Turning Point

Percamba's life took a positive turn when he discovered boxing at Oakley ABC in Bogna Regis. He vividly describes the intense and humbling atmosphere of the boxing club, initially struggling with basic skills like skipping and shadow boxing. However, with the support of the coaches and the gym's energy, he persevered.

After a year of training, Percamba won his first boxing bout by TKO. He emphasizes that boxing provided more than just physical strength; it instilled mental toughness, perseverance, patience, and persistence – qualities he considers essential for success in life.

Boxing enabled Percamba to overcome challenges in his academic pursuits, allowing him to pursue American engineering studies at Queen Mary. He credits boxing with rebuilding his strength, boosting his confidence, and giving him a sense of purpose.

PT Square Fitness: A Vision for the Future

Percamba envisions PT Square Fitness as a safe space where young people from refugee backgrounds can find belonging, rewrite their stories, and learn how to box. The name "PT" represents both personal training and Percamba's name, while "Square" symbolizes exponential growth and transformation.

He believes PT Square Fitness will break down barriers, preventing young refugees from falling into cycles of isolation and lack of opportunity. The initiative aims to rebuild their strength, boost their confidence, and empower them to give back to their communities.

Percamba dreams of seeing these young people become community leaders and mentors, eventually running training sessions for a wider audience. His ultimate vision is for PT Square Fitness to serve as a home for the Refugee Olympic Team, inspiring future generations.

The Power of Boxing and Community Support

Percamba emphasizes the transformative power of boxing, stating that he wouldn't be where he is today without it. He also acknowledges the crucial role of key workers, friends at Oakley ABC, the Hamburg project (Elaine), his family, and Fight for Peace (where he coaches boxing) in his journey.

He envisions PT Square Fitness not just as a physical space but as a movement and a tool that empowers young refugees to rewrite their stories.

Conclusion

Percamba's story highlights the challenges faced by young refugees and the transformative power of boxing and community support. PT Square Fitness represents his vision for creating a safe and empowering space where young refugees can find belonging, build confidence, and rewrite their futures.