The transformative power of art and physical activity took center stage in the CIRCUS A.C.T project, a groundbreaking initiative that harnessed social circus pedagogy to support at-risk youth transitioning into adulthood. Completed in January 2024, this Erasmus+ funded project united six countries in a shared mission to combat social exclusion and empower young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Bridging Gaps with Social Circus
Across Europe, many at-risk youth face barriers to integration and personal development. Whether due to socio-economic hardships, migration challenges, or other vulnerabilities, these young people often experience social isolation and a lack of support during critical developmental stages.
Social circus, a method combining circus arts with social pedagogy, offers a unique solution. By blending physical activity with creative expression, it promotes emotional, physical, and mental well-being while fostering teamwork, leadership, and resilience. This holistic approach provided the foundation for the CIRCUS A.C.T project.
Objectives: Creating Pathways for Inclusion
The CIRCUS A.C.T project was designed to address the specific needs of at-risk youth and the youth workers supporting them. Its primary objectives included:
- Empowering At-Risk Youth: Enhance their emotional, physical, and social development to ease their transition into adulthood and reduce the risk of exclusion.
- Boosting Life Skills: Provide youth with essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership in a supportive and engaging environment.
- Training Youth Workers: Equip youth workers with the knowledge and tools to implement social circus activities effectively.
- Promoting Inclusion: Encourage the acceptance and integration of youth regardless of socio-economic, ethnic, or gender backgrounds.
Implementation: Building a Strong Framework
The project’s comprehensive approach involved research, training, and local outreach:
1. Needs Analysis and Curriculum Development
- An online survey identified the needs of youth workers and at-risk youth.
- A Social Circus Curriculum was created, providing theoretical and practical guidance for implementing social circus pedagogy.
2. Digital Resources
- An E-handbook featuring video tutorials demonstrated how to conduct circus activities.
- An E-learning platform housed all resources, with an integrated Open Badge system to validate training completion.
3. Youth Worker Training
- A hybrid training course prepared youth workers through online sessions and an in-person program in Brežice, Slovenia.
4. Local Outreach and Workshops
- Trained youth workers conducted social circus workshops for at-risk youth in their communities, introducing them to the benefits of circus pedagogy.
5. Multiplier Events
- Seven events across partner countries showcased the project’s outcomes and engaged stakeholders, professionals, and the public.
Results: A Lasting Impact
The CIRCUS A.C.T project delivered tangible results that continue to inspire change:
- Key Educational Materials:
- A Social Circus Curriculum, E-handbook, and E-learning platform.
- Trained Professionals:
- 21 youth workers trained in social circus pedagogy.
- Youth Engagement:
- 202 at-risk youth participated in social circus workshops.
- Professional Outreach:
- 434 professionals accessed the tools and materials.
- Community Engagement:
- 7 multiplier events reached 274 attendees across partner countries.
- Public Awareness:
- Over 9,400 people learned about the project and its benefits.
A Future of Inclusion
The CIRCUS A.C.T project demonstrates the profound impact of combining creativity with physical activity to foster personal and social growth. Its innovative use of social circus pedagogy provided a lifeline for at-risk youth, empowering them to overcome challenges and take an active role in society.
The resources and insights from this project remain accessible on the official website: circusact.eu. As its legacy continues, the project invites communities, educators, and policymakers to adopt social circus pedagogy as a tool for inclusion and empowerment.
Because every young person deserves the opportunity to soar—and the skills to land safely.
