As the poverty crisis became exacerbated across the world over the past several decades, millions of like-minded people united in numerous different ways to combat it. Billions of dollars of fundraising, programs dedicated to disadvantaged populations and generous aid circulation have significantly impacted the lives of poverty-stricken populations across the globe. 

One method in particular is especially striking, the use of circuses. Circuses have been famous for centuries because of their vivid, entrancing colors and their silly performers and yet the true extent of the social impact that circuses have has long been overlooked. Circuses give marginalized children the opportunity to finally have the spotlight. Many circuses combine entertainment with education and teach youth life skills by employing the use of performing arts. As such, this article will delve into the correlation between circuses and poverty, explaining their impact and reach across the globe.  

The Unseen Impact

Studies on social circuses across the world decode their impact on youth. The National Institute of Health studied the impacts of the Cirque du Monde, a social circus created to target disadvantaged and marginalized youth. The program educates children by encouraging the development of self-esteem, as well as the cultivation of life skills such as risk-taking, ambition and hard work. Training these populations of excluded children in the circus can simultaneously teach them these vital skills while also helping them grow as individuals. 

Results of the surveys connected to the study displayed that the program promoted an increase in self-esteem of significant percentages of those involved in the circus programs. Another study by ScienceDaily on circuses in general notes that children undergoing training in social circuses admit that the programs helped them extensively with developing confidence in themselves and their lives. 

Here are some of the international programs that are changing the world.

Spark Circus

Located primarily in Thailand, this incredible organization works for disadvantaged children, refugees and poverty-stricken populations. By including local communities in circus training and performances, Spark Circus encourages creativity through workshops and performances to uplift youths. The primary goal of the organization is to teach young children to be the next generation of entertainment educators within their own communities. Since its formation, the Spark Circus has performed at several locations such as hospitals, small schools and refugee camps, uplifting children across Thailand.

Circus Zambia

This Zambian social enterprise circus entertains marginalized youth and trains them with skills that will be infinitely helpful throughout life. Whether the skills are personality-related, such as confidence, trust and teamwork, or they are performance-related, this organization offers participants both life skills and employment skills that will never become outdated. Circus Zambia offers workshops for youth and adults alike, as well as entertainment through performances. This program provides communities in Zambia with employment opportunities within the circus should they wish to be a part of the community. Apart from the circus, the program also offers a space for these populations to express creativity through singing, art, or general performance! With the help of funding, the organization attracted several new members and created new programs in 2021 that impacted thousands of Zambians. 

Clowns Without Borders

This incredibly unique organization prioritizes laughter as a cure. Clowns and circus performers alike work with youth no matter their background. The history behind the organization is truly heartwarming. In 1993, Spanish children fundraised to send a clown to refugees in Croatia when they wrote to them saying, “We miss laughter.” The project was such a success that it formed the organization. This proves that the circus can truly be an escape from unfortunate reality, and can act as a much-needed happy moment in these children’s lives. With programs across nearly all continents, Clowns Without Borders makes room for those who were subject to displacement, crisis or war. With just five international projects in 2020, the organization served over 23,000 people through performances and workshop programs. 

Looking Ahead

The noteworthy work of each circus proves that laughter can truly be the cure to anything. These inspiring social enterprises intertwining circuses and poverty offer disadvantaged populations opportunities across the world, changing both their mental and physical well-being for the better while displaying that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

– Divya Shankar
Photo: Pixabay