Many of the 300 students are internal refugees or orphans, and the school has been so popular it now runs centers in seven Afghan provinces.
Circus School Brings Hope To Afghan Children
A Kabul circus school is helping hundreds of Afghan children overcome trauma caused by years of war and poverty. By teaching skills like juggling and acrobatics, the Mobile Mini Circus For Children builds self-confidence and teaches teamwork in the deeply divided country.
![Salma juggles balls.](https://gdb.rferl.org/f1d3d21b-405a-481d-90b7-1ba8b436be1f_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Salma juggles balls.
![A child practices balancing on a ball. Students are taught acrobatics, tight rope, and juggling.](https://gdb.rferl.org/dbabd408-9cf4-49bb-a260-e0b4e5b49019_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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A child practices balancing on a ball. Students are taught acrobatics, tight rope, and juggling.
![Girls choose brightly colored dresses for their performances. Children can attend the school for free, and they receive food and clothing.](https://gdb.rferl.org/df1d5cd0-3b25-436a-b1ed-c4e41e6dd09b_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Girls choose brightly colored dresses for their performances. Children can attend the school for free, and they receive food and clothing.
![The students are also given formal education. In addition to learning circus skills, they are taught how to read and write in local languages and in English.](https://gdb.rferl.org/17e312b0-8c5b-4566-9c4e-1bcd9a90a916_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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The students are also given formal education. In addition to learning circus skills, they are taught how to read and write in local languages and in English.