Outreach Programme
2nd Chance
2nd Chance targets learners from schools located in underserved areas, this programme aims to provide an engaging and educational social circus experience that introduces children to the world of circus, and raises awareness of potential career opportunities in the Performing Arts.
Beneficiaries come from primary schools, high schools, NGOs, orphanages, and children’s homes in the most underserved areas across Cape Town. They are transported to our training Academy and exposed to hands-on workshops comprising games, circus techniques and fun activities, which teach teamwork and discipline in a safe, fun, and exciting environment! Participants experience a sense of belonging whilst engaging in a fun and creative circus workshop that inspires interest and a willingness to learn new skills. These interventions inspire participants to an alternative, more positive future and develop an expanded awareness about possible career opportunities.
Social Challenge
Unemployment in South Africa is high, and many youths face the challenge of not having the funds to study, or simply not knowing the type of work they would like to do in the future.
Programme Goal
To give disadvantaged children in South Africa the opportunity to learn about the circus arts – as an art form, as an extra mural activity and the job opportunities it creates.
2nd Chance
During 2024, Zip Zap’s 2nd Chance programme engaged 1 629 participants from Western Cape Education Department (WCED) schools across the Cape Town metropole through 35 workshops. Most schools were situated in the most under-resourced and under-served areas in Cape Town, and access to extra-mural activities and excursions are often very limited. The children were excited to experience the Zip Zap Academy, a state of the art, fit-for-purpose facility specifically built for circus training. They were enthralled by D2D students delivering exhibition performances, and all of these opened their minds to the demands and opportunities of circus-and performing arts.
The workshops contain a “Q&A” section which allowed children to ask questions and gain deeper insight into circus arts, Zip Zap Social Circus and the possible career opportunities that exist in the circus- and performing arts.
Maintaining a safe space for all children to express themselves freely is paramount at Zip Zap, and 96% of participants reported feeling safe during the programme. 94% reported having learned something new about circus and 97% reported having fun at Zip Zap, while 91% reported feeling inspired after the workshop.
Teachers reported an increase in learners’ self-confidence and self-esteem and that the exercise was excellent especially for those struggling with physical activities.
Quotations from teachers/chaperones:
- “Adding to our PE curriculum. Physical interaction and training. Encourages group participations. Gives them confidence. Shows them there are other career opportunities.”
- “Exposing learners to new activities. Catering for everyone – inclusive. There is more out there than just to do good academically. More career options.”
Learners Reached
Facilitated Sessions
Schools
Instructors
Coaching Support
For more information on how to join one of our programmes, email
Programme Success
Both teachers/chaperones and learners were excited at the opportunities to attend circus workshops – for some of the schools these were the only excursions the learners attended for the academic year.
Learners were amazed upon entering the Zip Zap Academy, a novel and fun facility. Participants experienced a real taste of circus by being able to use specialised apparatus. They enjoyed exhibition performances delivered by D2D students which gave them an understanding of the demands and opportunities in the circus- and performing arts.
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