Guinea circus school offers a springboard for disadvantaged youth

In Conakry, Guinea, the Fodeba Keita Acrobatic Arts Centre trains young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in circus arts, providing an alternative to juvenile delinquency and poverty.

Inside a warehouse, students twirl, contort, and juggle, learning skills that have allowed many to pursue artistic careers abroad. The centre has produced performers now working in countries including Turkey, Malaysia, and England. Its administrators emphasize that the program gives youth a profession, hope, and a path away from crime.

Despite its success, the school faces challenges, lacking adequate equipment and support. For many students, participation is a lifeline in a country where poverty drives young people to seek opportunities elsewhere. The centre continues to train hundreds of youths, aiming to offer them a chance for a better future through the arts.