“I’m blown away by how capable the kids are. It’s clearly because their elders trust them.”
–Robin Lara
On January 12th, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti and affected approximately 3 million people. The earthquake resulted in the country’s greatest humanitarian disaster. A year after the earthquake, UNICEF reported that 1 million Haitians continued to live in temporary structures.
Over the past 10 years, Clowns Without Borders USA has been to Haiti 14 times, with tours designed to reach Haitians impacted by the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew. This tour, which commemorates the 2010 earthquake has two goals.
Tour Overview
For the first week of the tour, the team will be on the island of Gonave, off the west coast of Hispaniola. The island is frequently cut off from the rest of the country, which often results in food and water scarcity.
During the second week of the tour, CWB – USA will join CWB – Canada to work with a group of 19 Haitian acrobats.
Tour Context
Toussaint Louverture led a successful 1804 rebellion of enslaved people, and Haiti became the first post-colonial black-led nation in the world. However, natural disaster, political unrest, and economic instability limit day-to-day opportunities for Haitians. CWB is committed to working with Haitian artists to help develop opportunities for Haitian circus performers.
