Cidreag, Romania. Circus project for inclusion and involvement in Romania.
The equality and inclusion of Roma in society remains a problem: members of the various Roma population groups are constantly confronted with strong prejudice and social and structural discrimination throughout their lives. Children are also affected. They learn early on that their socio-cultural background is synonymous with exclusion and a lack of opportunities in the future. In the fall, a circus project in Romania created a space where Roma and non-Roma children alike could experience self-efficacy and personal success. The project week was organized by the Buki association, which has been working to improve the life prospects of children at risk of poverty since 2005. Under the guidance of four trainers from Circus Waldoni in Darmstadt, one of Germany’s largest children’s and youth circuses, the children practiced trapeze together, rode unicycles, and learned juggling and acrobatic exercises. The project focused not only on learning new skills, but also on encounters and exchanges between children from Roma and non-Roma families. Forming personal relationships in an extracurricular context was intended to help cultivate mutual acceptance between the different socio-cultural groups. The circus week was made possible by financial support from GLS Bank.
More The Buki Association, GLS Bank, and Circus Waldoni
Translation Charles Cross
Image John Cardamone
