Presentation of the paper 'The psychosocial impact of Capoeira among conflict-affected youth'

The report will present the findings of a two-year research collaboration with the University of East London looking at Capoeria4Refugees’ work in Palestine, Jordan and Syria.

Capoeira4Refugees uses the Afro-Brazilian art, capoeira as a tool to promote psychosocial well-being with youth affected by conflict. Mixing music, dance, martial arts and culture, capoeira attracts a broad audience and has the potential to build a range of psychosocial capacities, such as confidence, social skills and discipline. Most of the children we work with have faced extreme hardship and taken on demanding responsibilities at a very young age. As a non-competitive, inclusive game, capoeira facilitates children to release tension, momentarily forget their difficult life circumstances and play as children once again.

The psychosocial impact of capoeira is a relatively unexplored research area. Therefore, at Capoeira4Refugees we feel it is important to share our findings and initiate conversations around this topic. As wars continue to rage across the world, it is important that new approaches are taken to building hope and well-being. Western psychological models are often either culturally inappropriate or non-sustainable. Capoeira4Refugees is continually striving not only to develop innovative ways to support people, but to do so in a sustainable and culturally sensitive manner. The event is intended to disseminate our learnings and build meaningful connections with people and organisations that share our vision.

We would be delighted if you would attend and be a part of what Capoeira4Refugees is trying to achieve. Drinks and light catering will be provided.

• Location: Museum of London. 150 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN
• Date: Wednesday 9 September 2015 at 4 – 6.30 pm
• RSVP: [email protected]