From April to July 2011, I volunteered for the Esther Benjamins Trust in Nepal.  EBT offers refuge and rehabilitation to rescued children and young people who cannot be returned to their families for fear of being re-trafficked. The refuges offer access to a full education and a range of vocational training opportunities.

Working alongside UK professionals the Esther Benjamins Trust have put together a rehabilative and vocational training programme that comprises the hugely talented young people who have been rescued from Indian circuses. This project was born when some of the former circus girls expressed a desire to develop the skills they were once forced to learn into something for their own pleasure. Beyond being a cathartic experience for the performers, it has also become clear that with the correct support and training they have the full potential to forge careers as professional performers.

Now Nepal's first ever contemporay circus company has been born- Sapana: Company of Dreams. The young people who have chosen to participate in Sapana are now receiving regular, high standard training, and already debuted their first show in January 2011. The coming year will see Sapana performing this show internationally.

The young people who are part of Sapana are in an ongoing, intensive training programme with circus and theatre professionals from around the world. The focus behind the programme is to create a fun, creative and supportive environment. As well as training in a range of circus skills, the performers engage in theatre games and clowning exercises to build trust, confidence and performing skills. This is all being carried out by volunteers.

In order for the project to continue being successful, we need circus professionals willing to donate their time and knowledge.  Please contact Sky Neal (skyneal@live.com) if you are interested.

To read more about the amazing work being carried out by the Esther Benjamins Trust, please visit their website http://www.ebtrust.org.uk/To follow the progress of Sapana Contemporary Circus, please visit the blog http://sapanacircus.blogspot.com/ or the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=130034593700665&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=130034593700665&v=info