Saberes culturais e o protagonismo das crianças no Centro Cultural Raízes do Marabaixo em Mazagão Velho - AP

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the cultural knowledge and leadership of children at the Raízes do Marabaixo Cultural Center in the city of Mazagão Velho, Amapá (AP), Brazil. As a starting point, I discuss the importance of the Raízes do Marabaixo Cultural Center in the process of belonging for children who participate in cultural activities at the cultural space in Mazagão Velho. The objective of the research was to analyze the role of children in the activities of the Raízes do Marabaixo Cultural Center in Mazagão Velho, Amapá, Brazil. The center's activities are focused on preserving historical knowledge, cultural practices, and local Black identity. Therefore, the research question sought to answer whether children are involved in the activities organized by the Raízes do Marabaixo Cultural Center and how this rebuilds and strengthens their Black identity. I defend the idea that the Raízes do Marabaixo Cultural Center in Mazagão Velho contributes to keeping history, knowledge, and cultural practices alive through the activities developed with children. I also believe that dialogue with the school helps to strengthen the cultural identity of the community. However, it became evident that, at certain times, the education of children at the cultural center deviates from the school's educational principles. The research was developed based on a theoretical and methodological framework grounded in critical and socio-historical analysis, based on Videira (2010), Maldonado Torres (2022), Foster (2016), Freire (2015), Brandão (1984), Munanga (2019), Boyer (2008), Videira and Vasconcelos (2020), Pinheiro (2023), Milanesi (1997), Ramos (2007), Silva (1905), Gomes (2003), Loureiro (1995), Hall (2019), Minayo (1994), Bauer and Gaskell (2008) and others. The methodology is based on a qualitative approach, using a case study method. The research techniques were implemented through the researcher's participant observation of the teaching and learning process in the development of the workshops at the center and at the school, photographic recording, semi-structured interviews with the CCRM coordinator, testimonials, and dialogue circles with the children, analyzed through Bardin’s (2015) content analysis framework. Through workshop observations, I noted the significance of the cultural space for Mazagão’s Black community. The culture of Mazagão Velho reflects the significance of the Amapá people’s history, with its African-origin cultural legacy passed down through generations via oral traditions, sustaining Black identity. However, it should be noted that the activities carried out at the Raízes do Marabaixo Cultural Center in Mazagão Velho have shortcomings in terms of administration and management. Currently, the center is closed and without managers, which compromises the continuity of its operations. In terms of physical infrastructure, the space is affected by deterioration and neglect, which impacts the center's ability to carry out its educational functions effectively. In addition, the lack of communication between the school and the center prevents effective collaboration, resulting in isolated activities and a lack of synergy between the institutions. These issues pose a major challenge for the institutions involved, which must overcome adversity in order to preserve culture and build the identity of the children of Mazagão Velho.