Imagination Circles the World ...
African Folktales with Erik de Waal has played to half a million children on five continents since 2003. Now it is time to bring the show home. Our goal is to raise $5,000 dollars that will allow us to take this show to disadvantaged areas in South Africa. With your help - at a cost of $1 per child - we can bring this show to a further 5,000 school children.
Each year, we perform to thirty thousand South African kids. Each year we see thirty thousand faces light up as imaginations are sparked and potential is awakened.
However, this statistic, while impressive as a number, represents only those children whose families can afford to pay for the show. In South Africa, school is not free – parents must pay school fees and other costs like uniforms or extra books and supplies. Schools are not fully funded by the government and depend on these fees to keep the doors open and the lights on. In the poorer areas of the country fees can be waived for families who demonstrate severe need, however this means that the schools themselves struggle to make ends meet.
Families cannot afford to pay for extras like educational theatre performances. Theatre is an educational strategy that engages on many levels - children's minds and bodies are stimulated through active participation - they count, recite, clap, and comment on the action.
We believe that quality children's theatre is as important to a child's development as basic literacy. Theatre, through the power of story, opens young eyes to the world around them. The ability to dream and imagine, to see a new future opens possibilities and awakens hope.
How You Help
The formula is simple: $1 = I child.
For this we can:
- Cover administrative and travelling costs;
- Hire venues where necessary;
- Hire necessary technical equipment such as microphones, and speakers;
- Hire technicians;
- Provide wages to the team (each team member will work for 50% of his or her wage).
If we do not raise our full goal, all monies will be directed toward touring to as many schools and communities as we can afford!
How We Thank You
We have a number of really great perks ranging from the gift of a story for you and your family to enjoy to a performance in the school of your choosing anywhere in Canada!
The Impact
Creative play and curiosity are direct spin offs of experiencing this production. On a deeper level, school lessons are reinforced (counting, reciting, reasoning and decision-making) and the need for respect, tolerance, and empathy is brought to life.
This production has successfully played around the world, and despite language barriers, has enchanted children who speak English, Spanish, Afrikaans, Xhosa, and other languages. It is praised by educators for the solid educational principles it is founded upon, and loved by children and parents for its colour, playfulness, and excitement.
The formula is simple - $1 = one child. The impact is endless.
If you can't make a financial contribution ...
...that's OK, too. Tell your friends and family about this campaign, give us a shoutout at your school or office. Pass the spark along! Share this link on Facebook and Twitter!
