Name Edielson Silva | ||
Edielson da Silva Miranda (known as Mestre Roxinho, born 1969, Ilha de Veracruz, Bahia) is a Master of Capoeira Angola and the first Master of Capoeira Angola from Bahia to have established a registered School of Capoeira Angola in Australia.
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Mestre Roxinho is the founder of “Project Bantu”; a program which was established in 1989 in Brazil under the name of “Projeto Ere-Menino vem Gingar”. Project Bantu used Capoeira Angola as a tool to engage marginalized youth which in turn delivered positive social outcomes such as; reduction of substance and alcohol abuse in young people from lower social economic backgrounds and an improvement in self-esteem levels.
In 2005, Mestre Roxinho emigrated to Australia and established a Capoeira Angola School of Excellence (ECAMAR). His work with ECAMAR and Project Bantu led to the NSW Government accepting Project Bantu into STARTTS.
STARTTS and Project Bantu
The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS). is a non-for-profit program that is funded by; The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs;, Department of Health and Aging; Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; and The Department of Community Services Area Assistance Scheme.
Mestre Roxinho was officially appointed by STARTTS schools across the NSW to integrate Project Bantu into STARTTS programs in Australia (association number INC9887611).
The project was adapted for young refugees and Australian Aborigines, as well as youth at risk in lower social economic suburbs, local institutions and youth centres. The Project has been integrated into 10 school programs in the NSW district, and has also expanded into the Northern Territory, Victoria and as far as New Zealand.
Media Coverage in Australia of Project Bantu and Mestre Roxinho
The following are interviews with Mestre Roxhino by local and national media groups: