Clowns Without Borders: a superpower to change the world

This article is an adapted version for children and young adolescents based on our more comprehensive article on the Clowns Sans Frontières France structure.

Laughter as a remedy

In some parts of the world, children are going through very difficult times: war, exile, extreme poverty, natural disasters... In these moments, everything is dark, sad and distressing. And yet... clowns arrive , with their red noses, their humor, their magic and their acrobatics. They don't come to pretend that everything is fine, but to offer a bubble of joy , even in the heart of chaos.

Their goal? To make people laugh where all seems lost. And sometimes, laughter can heal more than medicine.

An idea born from a child

The story of Clowns Without Borders began in 1993. In Spain, children learned that their pen pals in Croatia were living in a refugee camp because of the war. They decided to raise money to send a clown to make them laugh. That's how a Catalan artist, Tortell Poltrona , went to perform there. It was a huge success. The children laughed, for a moment they forgot about the war, and some cried... with joy.

It was that magical moment that started it all. Since then, clowns from all over the world have joined this incredible adventure.

Clowns who save smiles

For over 30 years, Clowns Without Borders France has been organizing missions in dozens of countries: in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America... They go to refugee camps, very poor neighborhoods, juvenile prisons, orphanages, shantytowns... Their show is a bit like an unexpected party that appears in the middle of the struggle.

They don't bring food or medicine. But they do bring something essential: hope, courage, dreams . For children, it's a way to regain the right to laugh, to play, to be amazed. And that's precious.

Do you dream of being an artist? You can help too!

If you do theater, circus, singing, magic, dance… you have a superpower in your hands. One day, you too could join this kind of action. And even if you're not yet an artist, you can support this kind of initiative by talking about it, sharing, or getting involved later.

Being a humanitarian clown isn't just about making jokes. It's about listening, adapting to different cultures, respecting the people you meet, and, above all, doing good through art.

And in France too

Clowns don't only perform on the other side of the world. In France, too, they visit reception centers, shelters for homeless families, or places where refugee children live. Sometimes, they're young people like you who participate in workshops to learn how to make others laugh, how to express themselves, and how to gain confidence.

To dream is already to act

You might be thinking, "But I'm too young to make a difference." But remember, the story of Clowns Without Borders began with children. They were the ones who had the idea to bring a clown into a refugee camp. And that idea has changed thousands of lives.

So, if you like to make people laugh, if you want to help, if you dream of a happier world, know that it's possible. Your energy, your creativity, and your generosity can work miracles.

And who knows? Maybe one day you'll be one of those clowns without borders who make the world dance in the midst of storms.

It's your turn!

Want to know more? Visit the Clowns Without Borders France website.

Want to talk about it at your school or college? Suggest giving a presentation or taking part in a solidarity initiative.

Do you dream of being in the circus or performing? Keep practicing. Your talent could one day be used to console the world.

Because laughter has no boundaries… and neither do you!