This is the second part of my interview with Tarek ‘Laranja’, a socially engaged Capoeira teacher from Syria. Tarek’s newest project ‘Bidna Capoeira’ – “We want Capoeira!” in English – aims to inspire teachers from around the world to take action in areas of conflict and social difficulties through Capoeira programmes. ‘Laranja’ also shares his motivations and the shortcomings of such actions.
4 – 4CapoeiraThoughts – You mentioned that CPPA and CapoeirArab have similar programmes. Can you tell us more about where you took the inspiration to start socio-cultural programmes with the use of Capoeira as a tool?
To be honest I don’t know too much about the work CPPA has done.
For me Capoeira is a very powerful tool of education for youth and this why we focus on them. Capoeira is my family, in every country I feel at home. And when I see all the kids and the refugees who are in need of some joy in their lives, it’s no longer a choice to help them; it’s an obligation!
5 – 4CapoeiraThoughts – Interestingly, even though stating that you are not into Capoeira politics, your website states that in 2010 CapoeirArab will be starting 12 new schools; attend by 250 children, and 40 juvenile offenders, the majority of whom are Palestinian and/or Iraqi refugees. Do you see the establishment of your programmes also as ‘political’ action?
Yes, we’re doing our best to help these people but it isn’t political, we’re just showing compassion for them and their situation – trying to give them something; bring them a little happiness.
Some people may see this as political but we try to help people on all sides – but like I say, I don’t want to waste my time with words, I’m not a politician. Let’s sing and play together with love and respect wherever you are from, then there will be no winner and no loser.
It is in this spirit that we have begun a new NGO – Bidna Capoeira – to bring Capoeira to people in difficult situations around the world. We want to create a database for Capoeiristas who want to help teaching in refugee camps and disaster areas.
The idea for Bidna Capoeira came recently, after coming home from an amazing few days at the Tanf refugee camp. The kids and community at the camp want more and more Capoeira; in fact after just one session they started a roda, playing, clapping and singing capoeira songs completely by themselves – no-one from our capoeira team was even there. They chanted ‘Bidna Capoeria, Bidna Capoeira’; ‘We want Capoeira’. It’s a pretty clear message, which gave us our name. Capoeira has the potential to make a massive change to their lives.
6- 4CapoeiraThoughts – Furthermore, these programmes will be involving 1200 community members and 150 staff members, with the support from institutions such as: the Brazilian Embassy in Syria; the European Union; UNICEF; Terre des Hommes; and other, presumably, local institutions. This is really impressive. Could you share with us how you achieved such a level of local engagement and institutional recognition?
The attention to, and involvement in Capoeira really grew after we worked in the Palestinian refugee camp Al Tanf, between the Iraqi/Syrian border.
The impact on the people there was amazing; it lifted the spirits of the whole camp.
The psychologists at the camp encouraged people to join our training. Children with serious psychological problems started playing with us and began to express themselves. They began to see a beautiful side of life. Their social confidence grew in the classes and the roda. Many kids are almost unrecognisable from before; they are so light and happy.
Besides these great results you also need lots of patience, no matter what. The most important thing is the circle of people around you. I am blessed to have so many good friends who’ve helped out and supported me through it all.
7- 4CapoeiraThoughts – Laranja, this was a great interview. Muito obrigado mesmo! Boa sorte e Axé nos seus caminhos!! I believe we share the belief that Capoeira can be used as a powerful socio-cultural and educative tool towards social inclusion, education, intercultural learning, self-esteem recovery … towards a better life in general. Would you like to leave a message for those willing to start socio-educative programmes having Capoeira as their tool?
I know 1st hand how difficult it is to teach and organize at the same time, write proposals, etc. – I’m sure that is the biggest issue in all Capoeira Organisations.
It is difficult and seems to take so much time, but believe me it’s worth it.
Our approach with Bidna Capoeira, is to collaborate locally with the community, active NGOs, and social services.
Our values are ‘Axé’, Collaboration, Sustainability, Transparency and Maximum Respect! These values are important to us and are the foundation of everything we do.
The most important thing is to have a real passion for what you are doing. When you are positive and motivated you’ll make it through the tougher times and the end result will make it more than worth it.
