Educlowns

Edu-Clowns is a theatre group connected to Blossom Trust, an NGO that focuses on women’s rights, gender equality and empowerment, and HIV/AIDS prevention and care.  Their efforts include campaigns for child health and sexual education.  Utilizing community participation, Edu-Clowns offers an alternative method in educating vulnerable groups.

Edu-Clowns Campaigns have been enacted in all 11 districts. The Edu-Clowns are known to be an effective method of reaching out to the public, who always give their feedback.  The integration of Edu-clowns theatre performance, Mobile Booth and Exhibition enhanced the effectiveness of the overall Campaign.  The campaigns led to an increase in inquiries, which was followed up by the Community Organizers, and the Coordinator.

The Edu-Clowns are known as the "red-nosed", due to the actors' painted noses.  The noses symbolize their fury upon seeing certain unacceptable situations and lifestyles in the community.

Vision:

	Create awareness and facilitate discussion of issues affecting vulnerable groups such as HIV/AIDS, hygiene, nutrition, basic education and rights.
	Address a community audience through an entertaining street theatre performance using elements of clowning, folk dance and songs.
	Provoke thought among the viewers and stimulate action for behavioral change.
	Offer disadvantaged adults and children the opportunity to train in theatre and attend workshops, to debate, explore social issues and build confidence.
	Conduct regular workshops to facilitate playfulness which revitalizes inner energies and extends self perception.
	Help adults, young people and children become aware of their own power as an actor.

Target TB HIV/AIDS

In the past, Edu-Clowns has created performances on a wide range of topics, including women’s empowerment, dowry issues, nutrition, sexual health and children’s rights. Currently they are working with Blossom Trust to raise awareness and to educate the Virudhunagar District communities about HIV/AIDS and TB.  Research shows that HIV/AIDS and TB are burning issues in India today.  The population is clouded in fear and ignorance, while the infected live with constant fear and discrimination. The disease spreads more quickly due to a lack of education and awareness about how protection. Cultural and religious taboos prevent sexual discussion, and so the cycle continues.

Future Endeavors

In the future Educlowns hopes to expand its educational focus and include cancer prevention, signs and symptoms of various forms of cancer and the importance of early detection. Blossom has identified a gaping hole in the sensitization of people towards cancer. As such, it is being detected too late when treatment is either not available or will no longer work. Blossom will use its proven effective education method to prevent further unnecessary deaths from these diseases.

Please click on the two links on the left to learn how the Edu Clowns are using theatre to try and stop this cycle. 

For More Information Please visit US www.educlowns.com