IMPACT

A safe training space in a fit-for-purpose facility enabled participants in the Ukwanda programme to play, learn, train, collaborate and create together, contributing to overall improvements in teamwork and positive pro-social behaviours among most participants. Zip Zap embraces diversity, and since participants come from varied social backgrounds they were encouraged to learn from and about each other.

Zip Zap values – Accountability, Family, Honesty, Joy, Respect – are at the very heart of all we do.  These values reinforced the importance of positive behaviours and healthy relationships among all the children within the group. During 2024, twice-weekly sessions ensured that the 36 participants were fully engaged in each of the 55 training sessions and allowed them to focus on their preferred disciplines and invest time into developing their abilities in these areas. The programme demands physical fitness, perseverance and creativity, and allowed the children to explore artistically. Physical assessments helped instructors to assess the progress and capabilities of the participants and informed effective programme content to meet programme objectives.

As the children grew in abilities, there were corresponding improvements in levels of confidence and enthusiasm among most of the participants, and this is apparent from the children’s excitement in preparing for Zip Zap’s annual year-end Programmes Show & Tell event, in which they confidently demonstrated their showmanship and skills learned throughout the year. This provided a glimpse of the opportunities available within the circus- and performing arts for participants to consider; for example, performing, technical skills, costuming and coaching.

The programme also provides opportunities for budding leaders to emerge and act as role models for less experienced members within the group.