The MCN (Meninos Capoeiristas do Natal) foundation is a non-profit cultural organization. The main objective of MCN is to practice and teach Capoeira as an instrument which forms a fundamental part of the Brazilian culture. Capoeira, with its rhythms and traditions, is not only for the children but also for the adults and parents in the quarter. In a way it is a substitute for their daily fight and struggle with unemployment and criminality.
MCN wants to show a better life and future to as many children as possible. MCN is residing in the suburb of Bom Pastor in the city of Natal and has been founded on 20 November 2004.
Another objective of MCN is to spread Capoeira as a form of art to people all over the world (including The Netherlands) through performances (shows) and providing workshops. Every year the MCN Capoeirashow tours through Europe and other countries in order to spread the message of Capoeira to the world; to show the people a part of the culture and customs of their large and beautiful country.
Dreaming of a better world and working with Capoeira at the MCN project, the Capoeiristas enter the lifes of the children and adults and the dangerous circumstances of living in the quarter of Bom Pastor.
MCN offers the children of Bom Pastor amongst others: Capoeira lessons, art lessons, schoolwork tutoring, dancing lessons etc. etc. With these activities the team of MCN works at the distribution and the awareness of the art of Capoeira, which in return has a positive effect on everybody regarding friendship, teamwork and responsibility.
Besides the earlier mentioned activities, MCN involves the children in Art and Sports in a broad cultural level. All of this is practiced from a point of view in which everybody takes a part in improving the world, in order to provide the children and the people of Bom Pastor an improved quality of life.
From The Netherlands MCN has been supported by SooS-Brasil (Foundation for sheltering and education of (street) kids in Brazil) for many years. For more information and the possibilities to support MCN from The Netherlands please visit www.soos-brasil.nl.
