Al Tanf Capoeira Success Story

No man's land

Al Tanf Refugee Camp was set up for Palestinian refugees from Iraq during the first Iraq war in 2003.

In response to the desolate conditions in the camp, UNICEF set up a programme of activities to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of the community. Our sister organisation CapoeirArab were asked to help.

Capoeira comes to the camp

Our team of six capoeiristas arrived at the camp and had an almost instant effect. The children drawn to the music, movement and energy, rushed to join in and learn how to play.

UNICEF scheduled capoeira for just one week but the children had other ideas.

The following week a theatre group arrived but the children formed a 'roda' and played capoeira by themselves instead. They played and chanted 'bidna capoeira, bidna capoeira' - we want capoeira (which later provided the inspiration for our name).

UNICEF and the rest of the camp were also convinced by the 'capoeira effect'. CapoeirArab team were soon back for a seven month programme. The children got their wish.

'The Capoeira Effect'

Patrizia Giffoni, a psychosocial consultant working at Al Tanf explains: "there are elements in capoeira symbolising attack and defence so it allows the children to express their anger in a safe and healthy way."

She adds "in capoeira music, rhythm and group singing help to stabilise emotions and harmonise social relationships."

The sessions were attended by children, parents and grandparents, all coming to play music, clap and sing. There was fantastic participation right from the first day, which continued increased throughout the project.

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'Incredible' results

Even the shyest children, slowly joined in. First they watched, then began to clap, then sing and take part in the lessons, before finally playing in the 'roda', full of new-found confidence.

"Capoeira has directly helped to improve several serious psychosocial problems, most very significantly" says Ms. Giffoni, in a UNICEF report.

An elder at the camp agreed: "its not just the kids, we all love the capoeira - the whole mood of the camp is lifted when they are here".

The project finished when the camp closed in January 2010 but the benefits didn't end there.

Many children, now relocated in Europe, joined local capoeira groups, which has helped them make new friends and better integrate within their new societies.