Dear Community,
Earlier this year, we communicated with an elementary school regarding a capoeira student, whom we’ll refer to as Lucas. His behavior was causing tension with other students and negatively impacting his academic progress. However, after he began attending weekly capoeira classes at school with ACSF’s instructor, Soldadinho (Miguel Hernandez), their leadership reported that Lucas had been working more cooperatively with his peers and that his grades had improved. This is a common feedback we hear: a child struggling with behavioral issues in school thrives with capoeira class. Through capoeira, kids gradually learn to channel and control their energy, which leads to overall improved learning outcomes.
But Lucas’ class almost didn’t happen.
Instutor Soldadinho initially declined the after-school teaching opportunity because it conflicted with his bartending shifts, which offer him four times the pay he earns from teaching. Fortunately, his boss adjusted his schedule, allowing him to lead the school residency.
This challenge of balancing availability for teaching with other jobs is common for our teaching artists.
Our teachers possess an extremely unique skill set. They impart the social, musical and physical skills particular to capoeira, “the art of many arts.” They also guide young people to become cooperative leaders, instill a sense of civic responsibility, and foster the spirit of inclusion inherent in our community. However, we do not have enough teachers or enough of their time to meet all the program requests we receive.
All of our teachers hold other jobs to make ends meet.
If ACSF were able to pay more, our artists could dedicate more of their time to what they do best: sharing the magic, discipline, athleticism, and community of capoeira. That’s why we are asking for your help in raising $40,000 by the end of 2024.
With these funds, we will increase the wages for our teachers, allowing them to dedicate more time to their roles as capoeira educators. Can you help our teachers teach?