We are professional clowns and we aim to bring smiles and joy to children and young people in situations of extreme social vulnerability in Malawi. Your contribution will help those who need it most to dream.
The Smiling in Malawi project is a partnership between Palhaç@s na Orla and the Solomonic Peacock Theatre group. This project aims to bring our vision and mission to Malawi, where we propose a one-week social clown training program for young artists, performing arts students, and the general public. We also present a show together with members of the Solomonic Peacock Theatre team to support the emotional well-being of communities, focusing on children, girls, and young women affected by extreme poverty, vulnerability, and limited access to education. We travel to girls' support centers, orphanages, schools, communities, neighborhoods, and different areas where we present our show, focusing on social change through empathy, empowerment, and the ability to dream!
PNO-Senegal 2025
About the author
Our mission is to reach as many people and communities as possible in situations of extreme social vulnerability. The Clowns on the Shore projects reach crisis areas or those affected by extreme situations such as wars, human migrations, natural disasters, and others. Through our projects , we aim to contribute to a more egalitarian, just, and happier society. Through performances and educational activities, we wish to promote the well-being and improve the quality of life of the communities we work with. We also aim to contribute to the professionalization and appreciation of the art of clowning both nationally and internationally.
The Clowns on the Shore project was founded in 2022 with the aim of providing trauma assistance, through art, to people, particularly children, in vulnerable situations. Its core team brings together professionals from the fields of culture, education, and social intervention who work on a voluntary basis. The project aims to have an impact in humanitarian assistance contexts and at-risk areas, focusing its action on problems such as forced displacement of people, armed conflicts, housing, and others.
The project also aims to disseminate educational and artistic intervention practices that transform trauma contexts , working with multipliers such as teachers, educators, psychologists, artists, and others, through creative tools, play, and laughter. Wishing to contribute to global strategies for peace among peoples, the project aims to foster good practices that promote inclusion and solidarity and reduce social exclusion, violence, and discrimination among human beings.
The Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, located in the city of Blantyre in Malawi, uses theatre as a means to develop and support education and community development. Through its Eco Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed, circus, dance and various workshops, it carries out interventions that create sustainable and dignified work opportunities for artists and young people, as well as providing a public service of education and support to younger and more vulnerable communities through art.
Budget and due dates
BUDGET
2 volunteer artists
1. Travel
Plane trips: €1500
On-site travel expenses: €220
2. Accommodation:
Apartment for rent - €800
3. Food: €800
6. Insurance, commissions and other expenses: €180
Total: €3500
SCHEDULING
June 2026: 12 days of project
