Haiti: Capoeira classes aim to promote peace

Cover image: A capoeira class in Petion-Ville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, organised by the association “Capoeira and Social Education in Haiti” in 2026. © CESOHA

An association in Haiti is organising capoeira classes – an Afro-Brazilian martial art – in an attempt to reduce community violence and promote social reintegration. The Observers team spoke to its founder, Rodney Jean Marc, who said their doors are open to everyone, “even children in armed gangs”. The initiative takes place as the country's security situation has worsened in recent years.