The mission of Capoeira4Refugees is to use the unique artform of capoeira to create a safe space where desperately vulnerable young people living through war and in conflict zones can create positive change in their own communities.

The children we work with have been through unimaginable trauma: escaping war zones, seeing family members die, often living in tents or temporary shelter year upon year. They need security, stability and the chance to be children again.

Innovative solutions are needed to reach out to these communities whose normal support structures have been rent apart. Through a specially designed methodology grown out of grassroots success, combining live music, movement, and story-telling we stimulate creativity, hope, and the ability to plan a future away from the stark realities of refugee camps and war.

Experiential learning enable traumatized children to work through the challenges they and their communities face. We teach children to be confident and proud of their own achievements, to be open minded and respect everyone irrespective of gender, age, religion, physical ability, social status, or race – everyone plays capoeira as equals: there are no winners or losers.

Our projects reach far beyond individual impact to address some of the most complex development issues our generation is now facing.