Capoeira4Refugees

More about Capoeira4Refugees

Syria, Palestine and Jordan are devastated by war and the refugee crisis. An entire generation of children sees violence as normal; having seen family killed, lost their homes and the routine of a normal, safe childhood. Aggression, hyperactivity, depression, and bedwetting are typical psychosocial symptoms reported. Many live in refugee camps, are homeless, or have no access to school. Children find it hard to focus on their education when there is so little hope and purpose in their lives. Refugees displaced to neighboring countries like Jordan, find that disputes over resources (labor, accommodation) leads to violence and hostility between the communities. These displaced people desperately need psychosocial support, education, and new hope for a better life. C4R uses the Brazilian artform of capoeira, itself originally born out of slavery: Capoeira uniquely combines music, play and sport, to create a safe space for desperately vulnerable children. Through a specially designed programme, children engage in capoeira activities that give them the tools to better deal with their traumatic experiences, improve their mental and physical health and transform their negative behaviours.