Projeto Kirimure

(www.projetokirimure.org)

Projeto Kirimure is dedicated to enriching the lives of at-risk youth in the neighborhood of Itapoa, Bahia, Brazil.  Once a bucolic fishing village, Itapoa grew into a crowded and complex neighborhood, exposing its children to a life amidst an increasing culture of drugs and crime. Kirimure provides a safe and positive environment where children learn capoeira, as well as environmental, health and social awareness. Sponsored by the Capoeira Arts Cafe of Berkeley, California and its founder, renowned capoeirista Mestre Acordean, the program also sponsors cultural exchanges with capoeiristas from schools outside Brazil. Mestre Acordean is currently on a “B2B” (Berkeley to Brazil) bicycle ride to raise funds for the project (See:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_23694435/berkeley-man-celebrates-70th-birthday-bike-ride-brazil ).