Solidarity Circus 2025: circus pedagogy as a language of hope and healing
From May 12 to 19, Riga became a meeting point for youth workers from 9 countries, including Palestine and Ukraine — regions currently facing major challenges. The Erasmus+ project Solidarity Circus 2025 brought together those who work directly with refugee youth, using circus pedagogy as a tool to reduce mental stress, foster self-expression, and support social inclusion.
Participants shared how clowning, juggling, and street performance can restore balance, rebuild confidence, and create human connection. These were not just workshops, but emotional bridges between cultures and experiences, where refugee youth were seen not as victims, but as capable young people with potential.
A highlight of the project was the collaboration with European Solidarity Corps volunteers and joint performances during the multicultural Maija Grāfa svētki 2025 festival. Through circus arts, participants created a common language that united different nationalities, generations, and life stories.
💬 “I see how circus pedagogy not only makes our young people smile, but also helps them rebuild their trust in themselves,” shared a youth worker from Palestine.
This project, supported by the Erasmus+ programme, proved that creativity, solidarity, and a human approach are keys to inclusive communities.
Coordinator: Culture Association “Alternatīvā Realitāte”
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, European Commission or Latvian National Agency (Agency for International Programs for Youth) neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
