Using Circus to Overcome Inequality

Project presentation

Circus Zambia is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering marginalized youth, enabling them to become catalysts for positive change. Their innovative approach harnesses the transformative power of circus sports, fostering holistic development of the body, mind, and soul through comprehensive programs focused on physical, educational, and life-skills advancement. They have already impacted the lives of over 10,000 young people, instilling them with invaluable knowledge and nurturing a shift in attitudes and behaviors. They are proud of the 60 young leaders they have cultivated within these communities who collaborate with stakeholders to advocate for improved services and access to vital information for youth. Collaborating with expert partners, stakeholders, local leaders, and funders like Comic Relief and CISU, they achieve remarkable outcomes. Together, they redefine youth empowerment.

Organization presentation

Circus Zambia was founded by Zambian Artists and a Dutch development worker. The acrobats Gift, Amos and Benard grew up in Chibolya, a slum in Lusaka infamous for drugs and criminality. While growing up they experienced stigmatization, but their performance talent brought them the opportunities to study and perform circus around the world. Circus Zambia is a way to give back.

Impact

“I used to be very negative, it was so hard for me to believe someone, to trust someone. This slowly made my trust in humanity come back.”

Patrick Chikoloma, beneficiary