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Capoeira Crianças Nativas

crianca logo resizedLocation: Bogotá, Colombia

Summary

Capoeira Criancas Nativas (CCN) is a project teaching capoeira to Colombian children – living in the conflict and extremely poor area of Bogotá, Soacha, the second most populated slum of the capital and largest host of Internally Displaced People. Like many other slums of large cities in Colombia, Soacha continues to be recognized as a “red zone” due to the ongoing conflict there and the presence of the armed forces. Consequently the children of the area not only have limited access to educational opportunities (where the educational system is weak and children mostly drop out at a young age) but also are vulnerable to recruitment by these armed forces, drugs usage, drugs and arms trafficking, child trafficking, and involvement in gangs.

What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is a Brazilian Art Form, which combines elements of dance, play and ritualistic fighting. It evolved from the struggle of African slaves against their oppressors and its history is deep with Warrior rituals from Central Africa. It is a celebration of life in the face of everyday struggle. It develops confidence, combined with a strong feeling of centre and balance. Always central to the message of capoeira is unity, and bringing people together to keep continual flow regardless of the game and to find peace, joy and fulfillment in the game and in life.

The extraordinary potential of capoeira to develop psychomotor skills has furthermore contributed to its use in the education of children with different kinds of learning disabilities, trauma, violent behavior, and low self-esteem. Therapists all over the world have used this art form to deal with children suffering from post-conflict disorder and considered it to be a bodily knowledge that is indispensable in the struggle against socially repressive mechanisms.

Solution

CCN is a capoeira program to enhance the education levels of children affected by extreme violence, poverty and forced displacement in Soacha and vulnerable to recruitment by armed forces, gangs, drugs, arms and child trafficking by building their self-esteem, productivity and creativity.

The project is beneficial to children between the ages of 6 to 18 years old in 3 different communities of Soacha. The classes take place 3 times a week during 3 hours each day, and offer a minimum of 6 hours per group.

The intent is to accomplish the following:

  • Encourage children to attend school and maintain a high performance level through discipline, concentration, attention provided, and leadership roles.
  • Provide children an activity after school or their ‘’free time’’ to avoid their involvement with drugs, arms, armed conflict, and gangs.
  • Make the children feel worthy of a gift that will help them to grow