Bootcamp is over and we have to leave the wonderful Diani Beach. However, our next adventure is waiting for us in Nairobi!
Bootcamp: Preparation for the show
The first week was packed with three outreach projects: The Sarakasi Circus Trust, Smiles 4 Change and Amani Lazima.
On Monday we took the train from Mombasa to Nairobi. It is a new train (just opened in June 2017) that takes you to Nairobi in just 5 hours instead of the previous 12. The train crosses through the Tsavo National Park and from our widows we could see elephants, giraffes, and zebras! The whole team was very excited about this!
We arrived quite exhausted from carrying all the gear around Nairobi, but we were so happy when we saw our great Airbnb apartment which will be our home for the next 4 weeks. It is equipped with a big living room, fresh water showers and a washing machine!
After having a day to sort out all the communications for the upcoming projects, figuring out how to get around and where to get food, we started on Wednesday working with Sarakasi. Sarakasi means ‘circus’ in Swahili. Sarakasi works with young adults (18 – 28 years old) from low income backgrounds and neighborhoods, by expanding their capacities through circus performance, music and dance. Their aim is a high level of professionalism, life skills and a sustainable income.
We were amazed by their high level of acrobatic skills, the speed in which they jump into their three person high pyramids, and how most of the time they train without mats. We were completely soaked in their energy and found ourselves jumping right into a two high and coming down with a flip!
They were all so kind and eager to learn what we offered in our workshops: Staff spinning, juggling with tennis balls and the can, poi and aerials.
The next day we were invited to a performance of the ‘Amani Lazima’ group (Peace is a must) which is a 4 month program that empowers adults who come from a poor or criminal background to change their lives through acrobatics and dance.
We integrated pieces of our show at the end of this motivational day (including keynote speakers who talked about personal growth, health and insurance). Later on the group showed us around the biggest matumba (second hand market) in Nairobi.
Friday was the most impactful outreach project of our tour so far and also the most touching experience. We accompanied the the comedians of Smiles for Change to the children’s ward at Kenyatta Hospital. In the morning we danced, juggled, paraded and played with the young kids who’s ages ranged from 3-9 years old. It was heartwarming to see all of their smiles even though they are suffering from tumors or cancer. The clowns of Smiles for Change made us and the kids laugh with a wonderful puppet show.
In the afternoon we went to the burn unit. The children’s stories about the accidents that got them there and also the sight of their little bodies wrapped in bandages was tough. However, we were overjoyed to be able to spend time with them and give them our love, which was always rewarded with a smile. Sometimes our feelings were not easy to handle, though it made us think of our manifesto: We are here for the children.
On Saturday we played games and gave workshops to a group of children at the Sarakasi dome and performed our show for them. The kids and the team all had a great time!
Sunday: First day off! We headed of to the Giraffe center and the elephant orphanage.
Have you ever kissed a giraffe???
Julia Schmitz, Germany
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