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Performing Life at Parlana

Raising money with bracelets and cheese at Parlana

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Last night, the Performing Life grown-ups were at Parlana, Cochabamba’s language exchange night, selling bracelets and CDs made by the children. We also held a raffle for some rather excellent cheese!

Fun was had. Balls were juggled. And a TV crew interviewed Adalid about our work, so stay tuned for that next week.

Thanks to Parlana’s guests, we raised BOB515. All the bracelet money will go straight into the bank accounts of the children and mums who made them. Raffle and CD money will go towards our Christmas celebration for the families in our programme. This sum will really help us out with costs - thanks so much, Parlana!

The bracelets make a great, portable Christmas present. They’re hand-made by Performing Life’s member families and all profits go straight to them. Learn more about our bracelet programme here.

We’re back at Parlana next week for another round, so come along and check it out! It’s at Muela del Diablo, a rock cafe which I’m assured does great food.

-Amy

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Escarlet’s Campaign, Part 2!

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Two weeks ago, we launched part two of our campaign, ‘Sending Escarlet to College’! Our first campaign, which concluded last month, successfully raised the initial $5000 of Escarlet’s tuition, allowing her to begin her studies at Lewis and Clark State College in Idaho in January 2016. However, in order for Escarlet to complete her first semester, we are still in need of $7000. Please help Escarlet, and all of us at Performing Life/Fundacion EnseñARTE, make this a reality by donating and sharing today!

Donations can be made, and more information about Escarlet’s story can be found, by following the link below:

Click Here

 

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NEWSLETTER| September 2015

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Preparations for Escarlet‘s 2nd campaign have started to raise more money for her study in the United States, the children in Montenegro harvested their first vegetables from our garden, new Circus Classes have started in Alto Buena Vista, it was the first month for Lizbeth as our new morning instructor in Quillacollo, we have checked and counted thousands and thousands of bracelets to be send to the United States, and we had some interesting meetings with other local NGO’s!

Our new Circus Director

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Today is the first working day of our new Circus Director Daniela. Welcome in our team; eres muy bienvenida! The next months she will work together with Adaly and from 2016 she is the one who will manage the Circus Program. To know something more about her, here is a introduction;

My name is Daniela Vilar Franco, I was born in Sucre but have lived in Cochabamba since I was one year old. Our economic condition was always difficult, but my mother put us in academically and socially good schools. My father never participated in household responsibilities and problems with alcoholism and violence were present. This is one of the reasons why my mom and dad separated.

When I left school, I studied various subjects in different areas, through which I found the most appropriate subject that matched my interests; Cinematography. This career led me to documentary works in the streets and communities of Bolivia. After gaining experience in cinematography I have worked in the arts of street-circus in Bolivia for several years. Additionally, I have worked in circus with children from the streets and markets in several cities in Ecuador (Quito, Ibarra, Cuenca and Guayaquil). These experiences have taught me a lot about the reality that the children in Latin America face.

When I returned to Bolivia, after several years abroad, I met John and closely saw his work with the children of Cochabamba. I had the opportunity to teach acrobatics in the aerial tissue to one of the members of Performing Life, Adalid Coca, who was an excellent student!
A couple of months ago I heard that Performing Life was searching for a new director in the Circus Arts. I immediately felt free to send my curriculum because the work they do is of much interest to me both personally and professional. When I heard that I will be part of Performing Life it was one of the best news I received! I personally commit to do my job with all the enthusiasm, dedication, responsibility, initiative and professionalism it deserves and needs!

Sincerely,
Daniela Franco Vilar

NEWSLETTER| August 2015

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August happenings:

We have reached the $5000 goal for Escarlet’s crowdfunding campaign, we said goodbye to 10 volunteers, and we welcomed 1 great new volunteer. In the morning class there was an average of 18 children each day and in the afternoon 51 kids are attending. In our Bracelet Program 9 participants have invested money; of which 2 families started a small business, 1 family built a house consisting of two rooms, 4 families supported the education of their children, 1 family invested in acquiring a house on ‘Anticretico’ and 1 family used part of their money to improve the health of the mother.

Finally, last but not least; Tony Bellizzi, from the Hope for the Children Foundation, together with 5 young volunteers were our guests for 3.5 days for the annual HFC Mission Trip.

Check out the Newsletter of August 2015!

Escarlet’s campaign, donate now!

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From eating fire to acrobatics, Escarlet can do it all. Now she wants to add college graduate to her resume.

“I am in search of a dream, a goal that I have had for a long time but cannot achieve because I don’t have enough money. But with your help I can achieve it. Help me today and God will help you tomorrow.“-Escarlet Coca

We are hopeful that with everyone’s help we can make Escarlet’s dream come true! Please donate on Indiegogo and spread the word to your friends and family. Every bit counts!

Escarlet’s campaign

 

 

 

NEWSLETTER| July 2015

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After the first week of July, all the programs of Performing Life started again. Beside the normal programs of Performing Life, there were again nice extra activities for the Participants! This month started with 10 (!!) great volunteers from different countries and with different talents. With so many people, we could do a lot in terms of updating our website, preparing Escarlet‘s Campaign, visiting families, etc. It was a very successful and cheerfull month! Francy, a Colombian theater/dance teacher spent a week with us. She gave a workshop, helped in the Circus and School Support Program, and she also helped apply makeup and paint the faces of the children for the Cochabamba show in late July, where a large crowd gathered to see the children perform! Clara, our Spanish Volunteer, organized together with Adaly and other volunteers a Circus Olympics day where the children were given various exercises with which they could win nice prices (circus products)!

 
Check out the Newsletter of July 2015!

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NEWSLETTER| June 2015

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To say that the month of June was a busy one for Performing Life would be an understatement. In addition the Circus Clases, our Educational Program, and family visits in the context of our Bracelet Program, Marye traveled to the Netherlands to represent Performing Life in a contest where we were selected as one of the three finalists. Unfortunately, we did not win the money, but Performing Life gained some great publicity! Marye was even invited to speak about Performing Life´s mission and achievements on a Dutch TV station! She also sold bracelets and CDs for the organization, making the trip more than worth it!
Back in Bolivia, thanks to Fundación Alerta Verde, we now have two garden spaces in our satellite office in Montenegro. During a workshop the children received an extensive explanation on how to maintain their gardens. In addition to the vegetables the garden will produce, they also provide a great opportunity for the volunteers to give workshops in the Education Program on ecosystems, plant biology, and nutrition. Overall, it´s a great addition to our Montenegro office! Additionaly, like in May, the kids took part in a sexual education workshop, only this time organized by CUBE. Here, the children learned about the importance of respecting each other’s bodies and their right to control their own. We have 4 new volunteers from the FSD organization: Jorge, Pieter, Camila and Danielle. June´s grand finale was the spectacular show that the children gave on World Juggling Day, the last Friday before vacation.

Check out the Newsletter of June 2015!