The project in summary
Circus arts training for Filipino poor and vulnerable young girls, victims of violence.
The project in detail
The Cambodian association Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) and the Philippine association Caméléon use the circus as a therapeutic and educational tool to promote the socio-professional integration of poor and vulnerable young people, some of whom being victims of violence. Not only does a circus training open up professional opportunities, but it can also help young people regain faith in themselves, realize their potential, discover their limits, explore their interests, be valued and receive support to overcome traumas.
Between 2015 and 2018, with Alta Mane support, PPS trainers helped Caméléon improve its circus training program and make it sustainable by transferring specific skills, exercises and techniques. Finally, the participants produced and performed shows raising awareness about the abuses suffered by the young Philippine women.
- 2 teachers (ages 20-23) certified by ENACR (École Nationale des Arts du Cirque), 9 assistants (21 in 2016) between the ages of 13 and 21 and 3 staff members from Caméléon;
- 2 trainers from the circus school created by Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS);
- Poor and vulnerable young Philippine women, some of whom victims of violence.
As a follow-up to the circus training activities and exchanges between the two associations, between December 2017 and February 2018, 9 assistants, 2 trainers and 3 staff members from Caméléon participated to a 15-day Circus Training Program at the Performing Arts School of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PSS), in Battambang (Cambodia). Additionally, 2 trainers of Caméléon continued their coaching in Cambodia participating to an intensive and complementary training, “Training of Trainers and Security” (January and February 2018) to acquire new educational and pedagogical abilities as well as new techniques focusing on concentration, creativity, facial and body expression. Moreover, the training tackled safety issues, protocols and procedures to follow during circus performances. The PPS trainers conducted a pre and post evaluation of the participants’ skill level, which unveiled positive results in each circus discipline. At the conclusion of the Circus Training Program, the Philippine group created a circus and dance show and a certificate of appreciation was given by PPS to each member of the group after the show.
