Wow... it's been quite a while since our last post. But be assured that work has been ticking along busily, with lots of exciting developments...

BRAZIL

Another trip was hosted to Brazil in July, with UK Capoeirstas visiting the project in Salavador to support the work and train with the kids, who continue to put us to shame with their moves. The local workers leading the project have now have attracted funding in the region and are able to operate more independently, which is the real aim of any good development work. The 5th Batizado (annual celebration and grading ceremony) was held at the project, with lots of new children gaining their first green cordao. And more and more opportunities are springing up for those attending the centre - English classes, percussion, dance, arts...



SOUTH AFRICA

Our teacher in Hamburg, Tigres, is doing a fantastic job and we're now able to pay him a proper salary in partnership with the local Keiskamma Trust. He is leading regular classes for children, adults, teaching in schools and performing at local festivals.

Capoeira has ignited real enthusiasm amongst the local young people, whose plans include -

• A new class in a neighbouring town
  
• Partnering with a local charity to develop HIV and drug-based educational projects through Capoeira
  
• An exhange visit to Cape Town, where one of the original group members has started university
  

One of the original members is now attending university in Cape Town and has launched a sister group there.

See a full report from Tom's recent visit.



FRIGHTENING FUNDRAISING

The Trust were invited to run a bar at a huge Halloween party in South London. We applied our spookiest make-up and knocked-out the Caipiroskas all night, raising an incredible £950! A big thanks to Jonny, Tom, Anna and other organisers. And of course, thanks to those who drank. And drank. And drank. For charity. We've spotted a new fundraising strategy, so watch this space for more merry events...

BATIZADO

It's that time of year again, when Oxford Capoeiristas limber up and prepare to be booted (in the friendliest way...) by Brazilians... Abolicao is hosting it's 10th Batizado, with students and teachers from Brazil, Italy and the UK converging on East Oxford for four days of training, new belts and Brazilian-style partying. This is a great opportunity for the Abolicao Trust to promote our work and we'll be there all weekend, sharing success stories and collecting funds to continue the work. We will also be helping run the party on Saturday night, with income from tickets and the bar heading straight out to our projects.

If you're in Oxford, come and check it out...

The dreaded cuts are proving very tough for small charities, with few opportunities from grant-giving organisations. We will depend more and more on regular donations, fund-raising events and the hard work of all those fine volunteers who support us. So a big thanks if you've been involved in any way.