Skills Development
The Hood
A skills development programme targeting children and youth living within a 5km radius of the Zip Zap Academy.
The programme provides a supportive space where participants can discover new talents, develop creative performance skills as well as essential life skills, build confidence, and access opportunities for personal growth and future development.
Social Challenge
1 in 6 South Africans suffer from a range of mental- or psychological disorders, anxiety, depression, or substance-related problems, and may be subjected to various forms of discrimination.
Programme Goal
The Hood programme fosters a healthier community by providing children with positive experiences in their neighbourhood, preventing risky behaviour, and exposing them to opportunities in the circus world.
2025 Programme Impact
The Hood programme provides a safe, supportive community circus space for children aged 8–18 from the Salt River and Woodstock areas. Through regular circus training, movement, and mindfulness sessions in partnership with HEARTSHINE, the programme supports physical development, emotional well-being and social connection.
Participants showed growth in confidence, teamwork, independence and self-awareness, while also challenging gender stereotypes within circus disciplines. The annual showcase highlighted their progress, creativity and pride.
Beneficiaries
Sessions
For more information on how to join one of our programmes, email
2025 Sponsors
Donate
We rely entirely on donations to change lives. Our students don’t pay for any classes.
Donate today and dream with us →
