Some words from Riley Grace, Lake Aid volunteer who participates in Capoeira:
Since January, fellow Lake Aid volunteer Natalie and I have had the pleasure of taking part in the capoeira sessions run by Leonardo, Walter, and Paula for the Cairn shelter (emergency shelter in Seynod). Every Thursday evening, our capoeirista friends teach the basics of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian dance and martial arts form, to young people at the Cairn shelter. It has been a real privilege to be able to see the kids grow increasingly confident in themselves and their abilities. The kids are always very enthusiastic, whether it’s practicing a new dodge or singing capoeira songs in Portuguese, keeping the rhythm for those playing in the circle. Our capoeira community is one I treasure — from all over the world, be it North Africa, Eastern Europe, or the Americas, we get together once a week to share life and train together. It’s perhaps the most joyful 90 minutes of my week. Not only do the children enjoy training in the dojo, but it seems that they are increasingly comfortable sharing a little of their lived experiences with us. It’s become a much loved rhythm for all of us, and I’m grateful that the capoeira sessions will continue outdoors throughout the summer for this sweet community.
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