Circo
Picolino – a groundbreaking social circus project
This Salvador-based project led the way in the use of
the circus-arts to help at-risk young people. The success of the model led to the Brazilian government
setting up a National Circus Coordination Office, to develop
and promote similar projects around the country.
Many instructors at Circo Picolino are former students and were themselves children living on the streets and ABC provided
funding for their training. Other students have gone on
to work in the project's own troupe, work at other
schools or tour with the world-famous Cirque du Soleil.
| Region: |
Bahia |
| Type of Work: |
Education and training through the arts;
building self-esteem |
| No of children: |
200 |
| Other beneficiaries: |
Families; Community. To date, over
2400 children and their families have benefited |
| Age range: |
5-18 years, boys and girls |
| Founded: |
1985; formally established for at-risk children
in 1990 |
circus arts and performances
The circus arts school builds self-esteem and confidence.
This is reinforced by the regular performances, which
are put on for the community. Children are taught a
range of disciplines.
academic development
In response to students' needs and demands, the
project has provided academic support as well. The use
of arts-education has proven a successful method of
engaging young people and children at risk of exclusion
from society.
By building their basic education, children are encouraged
to extend their knowledge base and improve their chances
of working in any field in the future.
emphasis on culture
Circo Picolino ensures that it draws on Brazilian art
and culture in its work with the children. This builds
awareness of the wider context of their work and also
creates a sense of belonging.
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