Objectives
The performance-discussions of the project Tanora Tampon Manoloana NY VIH, put on by Clowns sans Frontières in Tuléar and Antananarivo, enabled particularly vulnerable children (street children, juvenile prisoners) to gain awareness of HIV-related issues through clown shows followed by discussion. The project grew out of the need to provide information on the HIV-AIDS virus and prevention programmes and to combat discrimination against HIV-positive people.
Beneficiaries
6’790 street children in Tuléar and Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Activities
French artists from Clown sans Frontières, Madagascan artists from partner associations (including Bel Avenir, Belemboké, Mondo Bimbi, Vozama) and social educators from the local network MAD’AIDS devised a performance-discussion addressing specific topics including knowledge of the body, the consequences of personal action and the link between culture, traditions and habits. Clownish, funny and poetic scenes were used to tackle serious and complicated issues, giving the children an experience that was both entertaining and instructive and an opportunity for sharing. After the performance the educators led a discussion on the issues addressed, inviting the audience to identify with protagonists in the show.
Four workshops and 2 shows were realised over the course of 2014. The shows were staged 23 times by 18 French and Madagascan artists for a total of 6’790 children. For the occasion, Clowns sans Frontières used a precise methodology involving the following steps:
- Gathering of personal histories from young people at reception centres for street children;
- Composition of songs based on the histories gathered;
- Creation of a show around the songs composed.
Partner
Clowns sans Frontières is a humanitarian and artistic association that has been present for over 20 years among populations affected by war, poverty or marginalisation throughout the world. It brings together professional artists who work voluntarily to put on live shows in refugee camps, centres for street children, prisons and orphanages.
Web site
http://www.clowns-sans-frontieres-france.org/2015/02/madagascar-2015/
MAD’AIDS is a Madagascan nationwide network of associations working with HIV-positive people and to combat HIV-AIDS. Its aim is to give all HIV-positive people equal access to information, treatment, therapy and support.
Other partners: Telofangaty; Manda; ECPAT; Grandir dignement; Bel Avenir; Belemboké; Mondo Bimbi; Vozama; Graine de Bithume; Justice Ministry.
Information
Fondation Alta Mane supported the project from 2014 to 2015. The foundation has been supporting clown training and shows by Clowns sans Frontières on the border between Thailand and Myanmar since 2015.[/fusion_tab][/fusion_tabs]
