When one thinks of the on-going occupation in Palestine, the multiple checkpoints surrounding cities, frequent invasions by the Israeli army in the night and a high unemployment rate come to mind immediately. However, the more subtle effects, such as a lack of playgrounds in most neighborhoods, an unbelievably high student to teacher ratio in schools and almost no affordable extracurricular activities are the realities that affect the children. Assirk Assaghir focuses on combating these subtle effects of the occupation in order to provide children with a safe place to play, more individual attention than they get in schools and a fun extracurricular activity that builds skills and allows them to develop their personalities. Through alternatives to violence we are improving the physical and mental health of our participants. We provide a venue for them to express themselves, release frustration, develop skills, engage in dialogue and build hope for the future.

Mission :

Assirk Assaghir (a non-profit, non-governmental organization) is a social circus committed to the principles of freedom of expression, the right to play and the right to education for all children and youth. Through circus and performing arts we aim to support children and youth denied these rights by providing them with: a safe, educational space in which they can explore their creativity and learn new skills while building confidence and freely expressing themselves; and circus performances that promote fun, relaxation and laughter. We strive to achieve these goals effectively and efficiently, focusing on the safety of the child, gender equality and non-discriminatory participation in all activities.
Vision :

Assirk Assaghir envisions a world in which all children and youth have access to spaces in which they can explore their creativity and enjoy freedom of expression and their right to play; socioeconomic status would not be a barrier to any person's ability to access the arts and cultural activities; and girls and boys would have equal access to artistic, cultural and physical extracurricular activities.