Brazil

Crianças Raízes do Abaeté (Children, the roots of Abaeté) is a former school renovated by the The Abolição Trust, which offers free Capoeira classes to local children. The project is led by a local coordinator and Capoeira teacher, who takes daily classes attended by over 50 children and supported by the wider Capoeira community.

Schooling in the area is minimal and little is offered to young people in the community. In 2008, an IBGE report showed that almost half of Brazilian children live in poverty conditions. Youth involvement in crime and substance misuse is high and can have fatal consequences. The project offers children the opportunity to learn and achieve in a safe environment and raise their confidence and self-esteem.

Annual Batizados (grading/celebration events) allow children to perform Capoeira to the local community and progress to their next belt. Links made with families, schools and local businesses have helped raise the profile of the work and encourage pride and ownership for all the students. The Capoeira project has also provided a platform from which to develop further community education and activities, including practical craft sessions and language classes.

The Abolição Trust raises funds to pay for skilled Capoeira teachers, a local coordinator and regular building costs to keep this important work alive.

>> See the project in action in The Abolição Trust film
>> Images from the Brazil project