Everyone has the right to have fun, right? Especially vulnerable children and young people living in a country emerging from 50 years of military rule where child rights remains a big issue.
Everyone needs to have fun is the motto of Social Circus Myanmar, a project of the Serious Fun Committee which is a group of volunteers who love to make good things happen. Social Circus Myanmar uses circus skills to engage and empower at-risk children, youth and people living with disabilities. Circus training gives participants a chance to learn new skills, be part of a team, build confidence and to create a lot of inspiring fun for themselves and their communities.
We first became involved with disadvantaged young people in Myanmar (Burma) when our circus skills specialist Jules Howarth began working with community groups in Yangon in 2014 to enable the kids to join an international juggling festival we staged there in 2015. We were amazed and impressed by how quickly the kids learn and by their joy in learning new skills.
“Jules is making memories and building self-esteem over the long term... These young people are seeing themselves progress, which is a gift denied the disadvantaged too often.” – Alex Mackenzie, Yangon-based supporter, February 2016
Later in 2015, we brought adaptive circus specialist Thomas Hinz to Yangon for a week's training with people working with disabled children. Those who took part loved it so much they formed a performance troupe, Circus4All, which has evolved into a mixed troupe (able and disabled people) training with Yangon-based trainer and performer Julien Ariza. Circus4All has performed at events marking the UN International Day for Disabled People and other events in Yangon.
Social Circus Myanmar has developed from the youth workshops and Circus4All activities, with most action taking place during the annual dry season from November to March. We're working with local organisations which are mainly involved in educating at risk and vulnerable chidren. They want to see the workshops continue and expand. This season we're focusing on training local tutors and developing plans for a social circus network and arts space.
Our Values
Inclusion, Accessibility, Gender Equality, Sharing, Creativity, Learning through Fun and Play.
Our Mission
To provide a platform for young people to play, share and learn together and inspire each other while developing their skills, confidence and sense of self-worth.
To train tutors, performers and crew to support ongoing social circus activities.
To work with Myanmar partners to develop a locally-led social circus network and training centre.
Results Last Season
50 workshops for our regular circus teams of 80 children and young people.
One-off workshops engaging with 250 people.
2 shows
A Day of Fun where the circus teams came together to share and present their skills
Public workshops and photo exhibition to celebrate International Social Circus days, one of 59 organisations taking part around the world.
Help Make It Happen
Thanks so much to those of you who supported this project last season through our crowdfunding campaign on startsomegood.com. You made it possible!
Please support us again - even $1 will help! And help us by spreading the word amongst your friends and social networks.
We believe the Social Circus Myanmar project is worth supporting and look forward to seeing everyones achievements over the coming months.