Sport Addressing the Crisis in Syria: Our Q&A with Capoeira4Refugees

May 13, 2022 

As part of our series highlighting sport for development organizations in our network who are providing vital support, resources and more to those directly affected by crises around the world, today read our Q&A with Capoeira4Refugees Marketing Coordinator, Naima Sheikh, about their efforts in Syria.

After 11 years of conflict that has left upwards of 400,000 dead and levelled entire cities and infrastuture systems, more than 12 million people are facing hunger and Syrians are enduring the worst economic crisis since the civil war began. There are 6.9 million Syrian refugees and asylum seekers and more than 6.8 million people internally displaced. 14 million are in need of humanitarian aid with six million of them being children. 

What do you see as the immediate action needed to help the people and youth of Syria? 

Years of violence and civil unrest have led to the destruction of schools and education sharply declining. To prevent a domino effect that will inhibit the opportunities and futures of millions of Syrians, getting children access to an education and safe spaces to learn is of utmost importance. Without access to education, each Syrian child has a lifetime of potential under threat.

Children who have experienced traumatic experiences, and/or missed years of schooling are unable to sit through a traditional classroom setting. Alternative education settings are also needed to help build valuable life skills and help young people deal with their difficult experiences.

Can you tell us about your education, sport and play programs for youth in Syria?

Capoeira4Refugees has run projects in the Middle East and beyond since 2007. 15 years ago, we introduced capoeira in Syria by forming a group that performed locally. This enticed the kids who wanted to learn and then we began 'Free 4 Kids' classes. As we have grown, we have transitioned our organization to reach more people. We are currently supporting several organizations in Ar-Raqqa in North-East Syria that focus on sport for development.

We set up a sister organization RealtimeAid to reflect the wider types of work we are also doing in terms of systems change in the humanitarian aid sector. RealtimeAid is a powershift from international to local, supporting social initiatives to get rid of paperwork and create trust and visibility. Our partners include: 

1. Balloon Organisation: Balloon is an independent non-governmental organization that works to bring joy, resilience and happiness to the lives of children in conflict areas and to create safe spaces for communities to learn, grow and overcome conflict trauma.
   
   
2. Al-Diyar: Al- Diyar Association works to bring safe spaces back to the city and provide opportunities for children and young people, male and female, to practice sports activities, attend tournaments and be part of a culture of sport to help them reap the physical and mental benefits of being active.
   
   
3. Better Tomorrow: The Better Tomorrow organization works to provide this through rehabilitating and restoring sports halls and places for recreation, as well as providing sports equipment so that children can do what children do best- play!
   

You also work with Syrian refugees, could you tell us more about that? 

Capoeira was developed in 16th Century Brazil by enslaved Afro-Brazilians and consists of live music, sport and play, as well as storytelling and ritual. The historical context of capoeira today resonates with the struggle of vulnerable communities, in particular refugees, everywhere. It is for this reason especially that capoeira offers a unique approach toward community empowerment.

The impact of the war is staggering, but amidst the devastating consequences come countless stories of Syrian people mobilizing together and creating initiatives to rebuild their country and bring back normalcy to their communities. One example is RealtimeAid Changemaker Khaled. Khaled was born and raised in Raqqa but left the city to pursue an education. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, he returned to Ar-Raqqa and saw the destruction.

"I witnessed a lot of building destruction and the big psychological impact on its residents. Like most youth, we blamed fate for what happened to us and our region without taking the initiative to change." 

Rather than simply blaming the situation, Khaled took charge and founded Khwtwa with a group of his friends. Believing that young people can influence change, the organization works to involve young people, build their capacities and support them to raise the level of their knowledge. 

In your opinion, what is it about the platform of sport that can provide support during humanitarian crises? 

Refugees, and especially children, have witnessed violence leaving them severely traumatized. Part of their lost childhood can be regained through the joy and normalcy of doing sports. In a refugee context, it’s a priority to have safe spaces so that children can play in support of their emotional and social development.