This project is implemented by the Congolese association Gingando pela Paz – RDC in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Capoeira Sociale, a sports-cultural practice of Afro-Brazilian origin, is used to integrate children and young people in the process of promoting dialogue and peace. The project will support psychosocial care actions for children and young people affected by armed violence and with other vulnerabilities, such as children demobilized from armed groups, girl survivors of sexual violence and street children. . Capoeira Sociale is an innovative methodology through which children and young people develop their potential and become the agent of their own transformation as the main actor in their protection. Training in Capoeira Sociale, in addition to the technical and pedagogical aspects present in the practice of Capoeira, includes dialogue circles, training in musicality and educational activities on themes including human rights, emphasizing the emphasis on the rights of children and women, the mediation of interpersonal conflicts, the protection of the environment, participatory citizenship and first aid. The educational activities support the content transmitted during the Capoeira training, using different mediums to meet the needs of the participants. Young people are involved throughout the process of carrying out the activities: planning, execution and evaluation using documents developed by Gingando. Especially for girls and young women, Capoeira Sociale has become a key activity to reduce trauma and improve physical and mental well-being, in their families and communities, thus contributing to the march towards equality between genres. Capoeira Sociale also helps to reduce the prejudices linked to the participation of girls in sports activities, which is a considerable challenge in the DRC. The project will guarantee access to children and young people, especially young women and girls, to the practice of sport through Capoeira Sociale. It will provide continuity and reinforcement of actions in three specific sites: a center for youth, coordinated by the Diocese of Goma; a transit and orientation center for children demobilized from armed groups; and with street children in public spaces. Through Capoeira Sociale, children and young people actively participate in the promotion of dialogue and peace in their community, in public spaces and through activities carried out by Gingando pela Paz – RDC and its partners.
Capoeira Sociale: sport for the construction of peace and dialogue in the DRC
