Captivated by the beauty of Capoeira
How this ancient martial art is helping children’s clubs in the Central African Republic to overcome trauma and build discipline.
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As children, Giscard Aligne and Michel Belge remember fleeing Bangui in early 2014 as the capital of the Central African Republic was engulfed in deadly violence. Both end up a refugee camp in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo—an experience that has stayed with them ever since, even now they are in the 20s.
“All of us—children and adolescents alike—became refugees after living through extreme violence and intercommunal hatred. In the camp, that same toxic atmosphere persisted. Then UNHCR officials introduced capoeira, and we were immediately drawn to its beauty. We soon realised it helped us channel our aggression and brought us together in peaceful ways.”
A few years later, as the security situation in Bangui improved, Michel and Giscard returned to Ouango, a lively riverside neighbourhood in the capital.
“We brought capoeira back with us,” Giscard says. “We thought: if it worked for us in Congo, why not try it with young people here in Bangui? It has been a great success.”
The Bangui Capoeira Club was launched in 2019 with initial support from UNICEF. Since then, its members have gathered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon at the Youth House in the capital’s 7th district. Another group meets every Thursday and Sunday in a playground in the Ouango neighbourhood.
The more experienced members, who are more familiar with the sport, perform their stunts whilst the rest of the youngsters watch in admiration. On the other side of the spacious sports ground, other young people are coaching the newcomers—all of them children—as they take their first steps in the sport.
Capoeira uses an old Brazilian martial art-dance to help children affected by armed conflict heal from trauma, re-socialize and break cycles of violence. It builds confidence, discipline, and peaceful coexistence.
The practice blends movement, music and percussion, improving physical fitness and reducing anxiety, aggression and stress.
“When you first watch our movements, it may seem as though the participants are preparing for a fight,” says Giscard. “But as the dance unfolds—with acrobatic motions guided by the rhythm of drums and the clapping of hands—you begin to see that there is no physical contact. It requires great self-control and discipline. In the end, the dancers embrace each other before leaving the arena.”
After several lively performances, Giscard and Michel divide the crowd of children into smaller groups. “In every session, we also set aside time for educational discussions about how to manage difficult situations in their daily life. It’s an integral part of capoeira,” Giscard explains.
He and Michel say their club has supported many young people facing serious challenges —those who have lost their parents, are living on the streets, or, in the case of some girls, have survived sexual violence.
“I lived on the streets for several years, with the ‘godobe’ [as children living in a street setting are called in the Sango language]. With the help of the Voix du Coeur Foundation and the Capoeira club, I was able to get out of that situation and now I’m studying at the local secondary school,” says Amos, a 17-year-old teenager.
Valencia Gonet, also 17, shares a similar story:
“I lost both my parents and my home. I spent several years living on the streets, but now I go to school and live with a family. What I love most about capoeira is the sense of freedom it gives me, as well as the feeling of belonging to a group that supports me.”
Radiating contagious enthusiasm, Giscard has no doubt that their work is worth pursuing.
“Our aim is to use capoeira as a tool for education and social cohesion among young people in our country, which has endured many crises, with children and teenagers as the main victims. I am convinced that we are making a difference.”
The legacy of UNHCR and UNICEF’s investment is still paying dividends
