“Ginga Inclusiva – Capoeira Against Ableist” in Portugal
Youth Exchange Report
”Ginga Inclusiva – Capoeira Against Ableist”
PT, 1-10.04.2024 SETUBAL Portugal
Between 1-10 of April I participated in an Erasmus + program with the title “ Ginga
Inclusiva-Capoeira Against Ableism” which took place in Setubal in Portugal. Just from the
title of the program it is clear that the program had a very interesting topic.
Learning capoeira and coming into contact with people with special needs opened up a new world for me, because I realized how much capoeira is a part of their lives and how much they enjoy this combination of movement, dance, fight and singing. We also played and talked with a lot of people with disabilities and I really enjoyed their beauty, their smiles, their need for contact and communication and their talents. Ι felt really beautiful and I am happy that I leaved this experience, because without this program I could never had this chance.
I also enjoyed the classes of capoeira and all the others activities like skateboard, maculele, traditional dances, meditation etc. because I found them really creative and they made me feel really nice, enthusiastic, present and calm. Also, day by day I could saw the
development of my rhythm and of my movements and it felt amazing. This experience made me think that I would like to do more creative thinks in my everyday life and maybe I will start some kind of dance or capoeira or singing ( I am not sure, I will see, but I am glad that I had the chance to live this experience and these emotions).
Moreover, I met a lot of people from foreign countries but also from Greece, with whom we
spend a very good time together, something that could not have happened without
Erasmus. It was nice to make new friends and communicate with people from other
countries and talk about our worries and our dreams, but also to have fun together. I will
definitely stay in touch with the majority of the participants and I feel really glad that I met
all of them.
For sure, this project was an unforgettable experience! We learned new skills, we experience new emotions, we had fun, we made new friends, we dealt with a subject that interests us and otherwise we would not have had this opportunity and all these in a foreign country. For all these reasons I truly believe that every young person should seize the opportunity and participate in an Erasmus+ project!
Anastasaki Athina
Taking part in ”Ginga Inclusiva” was a unique experience. We were introduced to Capoeira, a very interesting martial art which combines dance,acrobatics, music and singing, and we developed our body movements. Also, we saw that Capoeira is an inclusive activity because we had the opportunity to practice with people with disabilities. Apart from the physical part of the program, we got to know each other, so different and interesting people that we all met in Setubal and made amazing memories.
Vasileia Chondrou
My journey with the capoeira project in Portugal has been truly remarkable. Capoeira’s inclusive nature has welcomed people of all abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspective and enriched my experience. Engaging in capoeira has not only strengthened my body but has also instilled a newfound sense of confidence and mental resilience. I consider myself profoundly fortunate to have been a part of this transformative adventure.
Maria Boukouvala
I am zoi a volunteer at praxis and I participated in erasmus+ program capoeira against
ableism in setùbal Portugal, It was an amazing experience that I would absolutely never
forget. I had the time of my life there as an active participant and leader of the greek team.
For me this program made me gain access to a new martial art that I never had the chance
to try. The activities were multiple and very interesting we did capoeira, beach clean up,
makulele, visit the city Hall, play handball in wheelchairs and so much more. We never got
bored and our facilitator Pedro did everything needed so we can be pleased and relaxed. I
communicated with people that have disabilities and I learned a lot of things from them.
Also, I obtained soft skills useful for my future experience in the workplace and as a
volunteer. Erasmus+ programmes are very useful and important for young people as they
discover new cultures beating misconceptions about them and more about themselves as
person. It’s an experience that everyone should try even once in their life time.
Zoi Grammenopoulou
The “Ginga Inclusiva – Capoeira Against Ableism” Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Setúbal,
Portugal, offered a unique immersion into Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art blending
dance, music, and sport. The event gathered individuals from Portugal, Spain, Greece,
Turkey, and Georgia, creating a melting pot of cultures unified through the practice of
Capoeira. This setting served as a rich backdrop for exploring key values such as tolerance,
inclusion, and multicultural dialogue.
Over ten days, the workshops highlighted Capoeira’s inclusive nature, demonstrating its
ability to adapt to various abilities and serving as a tool for social integration. These sessions provided insights into Capoeira’s historical significance as a form of resistance and expression, deepening our understanding of its role in cultural identity preservation.
The program also fostered a cultural exchange where each participant shared aspects of
their heritage, transforming our gathering into a vibrant cultural mosaic. This interaction was a practical application of how diverse cultural elements can enrich communal spaces.
The experience underscored how cultural practices like Capoeira can facilitate community
building and understanding across different backgrounds. It was an enlightening
demonstration of how arts can bridge cultural gaps and foster global citizenship, making it a highly recommendable opportunity for anyone interested in broadening their cultural and
social perspectives.
Andreas Petrou
Participating in the ”Ginga Inclusiva – Capoeira Against Ableism” Erasmus Youth Exchange
program in Setúbal, Portugal, provided a unique insight into how Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian
martial art that merges dance, music, and acrobatics, can be leveraged as a dynamic tool for cultural integration and marketing. This event brought together individuals from diverse
backgrounds, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Georgia, focusing on promoting values such as inclusion, tolerance, and multicultural dialogue.
During the program, the versatility of Capoeira was highlighted, illustrating how it adapts to different physical abilities, making it an inclusive practice suitable for all participants. This adaptability is not just a key feature of the art form but also a strategic advantage in promoting social integration and inclusion. The workshops and activities were designed to not only teach the techniques of Capoeira but also to embed a deeper understanding of its cultural significance and historical roots.
The intercultural evenings were particularly impactful, functioning like a live marketing
campaign that celebrated the richness of each culture present. These events allowed
participants to share their traditions and customs, thereby enriching the collective
experience and fostering a deeper mutual respect and understanding. Each session was
crafted to enhance community building and networking, essential skills in both personal and professional development. The experience demonstrated the effectiveness of Capoeira as a social marketing tool, skillfully conveying unity and community strength. The program enriched participants’ perspectives and emphasized the importance of integrating diverse cultural practices into mainstream platforms to promote global citizenship and unity.
Manos Banousis
