Children living with HIV give a staggering performance

The first of December presented the community of Khayelitsha with an inspiring performance by children living with HIV. It is called Ibhongolwethu (Our Pride) and the project enables HIV positive children to receive circus training from dedicated performing artists. The Cirque du Monde Ibhongolwethu Project is sponsored by Cirque du Monde, and coordinated by Zip Zap Circus School in conjunction with Médecins Sans Frontières.

The children are between the ages of 4 to 15 and many of them are orphaned. Ibhongolwethu provides them with antiretroviral treatment and the opportunity to develop their physical strength and confidence while acquiring useful performing skills. Their performance on World AIDS Day, which functions as the culmination of their year’s work, was met with reverberating cheers from the thousands of Khayelitsha residents who attended it.

The performance fostered a deeper understanding of HIV within the community, helping to break negative stigmas associated with it, encouraging the community to embrace HIV positive individuals and urging infected community members to accept their status.

If you would like to contribute to the Zip Zap Circus and the Ibhongolwethu project, you can donate money on their website. If you would like to get involved you can contact Zip Zap Circus School here.

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