Campaign Status
Campaign Completed: The campaign has achieved successful funding, raising $8,405 via the LaunchGood platform, and an additional $1,489 from offline donations from the diaspora, supported by their sister organization based in Belgium.
Summary
The campaign aims to provide one-year scholarships for circus training to 38 students.
Challenge
Children and youth in the State of Palestine make up over 50% of the Palestinian population. Those from less privileged areas face limited access to non-formal learning opportunities primarily due to their inability to cover the cost of such activities.
Solution
Every year, over 50% of our 300 students apply for full or partial scholarships to participate in activities organized by The Palestinian Circus School (PCS).
As our school embraces children and youth from diverse religious, social, and economic backgrounds, and recognizing the significance of non-formal activities in fostering personal development skills such as elevated self-esteem, trust in others, social skills, and creativity, we have established a scholarship system.
By turning you upside down, we teach you to stand on your own two feet. By dropping objects, we teach you to catch them. By having you walk all over someone, we teach you to take care of them. By having you clown around, we teach you to take yourself seriously." - Bob Sugarman, Circus Writer
After years of work and witnessing the improvement of the social, physical, and technical abilities of our students, we want to continue offering meaningful activities to Palestinian children and youth. We aim to become a role model for social cohesion, inclusion, and justice. The scholarship system will provide children and youth with equal opportunities to enjoy the magic of the circus.
“I got introduced to the circus school through a performance for French artists. I was fascinated by the show and wanted to learn more about circus. That’s when I decided to join classes offered by the circus school. The circus is a place full of joy and happiness. Through the school, I was introduced to special trainers and students who became close friends of mine. I remember my first day at the school, stepping inside the circus tent; I felt excited, yet a bit scared of this new experience—a new world. On my first day, I got introduced to the trapeze, and I wanted to learn more about it. Now, after 4 years, it has become my favorite specialty. The circus school taught me a lot about being social; it taught me to keep trying and not to lose hope. It also taught me that joy and happiness are found in simple things in life." - A testimony from one of our students.
By teaching, creating, performing, and programming circus arts, the Palestinian Circus School aims to enhance the creative, social, and physical potential of Palestinians. The goal is to engage and empower individuals to become constructive actors in society while also raising awareness, both locally and internationally, about the potential and challenges faced by the Palestinian community.
