Around the world, capoeira is used not only as recreation and sport, but as a means of overcoming our daily struggles, big and small. Multi-national organization Fight for Peace uses martial arts like capoeira to make a difference for young people in communities in 25 countries.

As described recently on a photo for the Jamaica Observer:

Participants in the ‘Fight For Peace’ initiative demonstrate common moves in capoeira (a Brazilian martial art form) at the signing of a grant agreement by the Department for International Development, valued at $20.7 million (£125,000), at the Jamaica Defence Force Headquarters, Up Park Camp, last Saturday. The money is for the Fight For Peace initiative, which uses boxing and martial arts, combined with education employability, youth leadership and supporting services, to help youth from selected communities realise their potential. The initiative is open to young people, aged seven to 29 years, living in the targeted communities of Hannah Town, Denham Town, Trench Town, Fletcher’s Land, Parade Gardens and Tivoli Gardens.

Fight for Peace’s official website contains an extensive write-up on this exciting grant:

Speaking at the Open Day and signing ceremony on August 20 at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Up Park Camp, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Pearnel Charles Jr said the ministry will continue to embrace ‘Fight For Peace’ and any other programme with similar goals.

“This is an opportunity for the ministry to really hold hands with you as we engage and empower our youth to become the ambassadors and messengers in their communities,” he said.

To learn more about Fight for Peace and their efforts in reaching over 250,000 young people in 25 countries, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.