“When the clowns arrived, it was like a light flickered on inside us again. For the first time in months, we felt like it was okay to smile.” – Olena, a mother in Ukraine
In the midst of devastation and uncertainty, laughter and play have the power to restore hope. This is the essence of Clowns Without Borders UK’s work, bringing moments of joy, respite, and emotional support to children and families during the most challenging times. When our performers first arrived in a Kyiv shelter, a group of young children, who had been huddling in fear, suddenly stood up and joined in the playful antics. For a brief moment, the weight of war seemed to lift, and the room was filled with laughter.
From Kyiv to neighbouring countries, we brought laughter and play, providing a sense of normalcy to those who needed it most. Our work is about more than entertainment; it is emotional first aid, a reminder that even in crisis, joy can be found.
What We Did
Playful Performances and Joyful Workshops
Our performances became a vital source of comfort in crisis-affected communities. Combining music, humour, and interactive play, we created spaces where children could feel safe, have fun, and temporarily escape their harsh realities. In Ukraine, this even meant performing in air raid shelters, bringing a moment of joy amidst the fear and chaos.
Training Local Humanitarian Staff
Equipping local staff with the tools to provide laughter and play long after we leave is crucial to sustaining the impact of our work. We trained 163 local partners across five countries in play-based techniques, helping them engage children through games, storytelling, and creative activities. In Ukraine, 15 local artists were also trained to lead performances and workshops, ensuring the ongoing delivery of our joyful activities.
Co-Creation and Child Participation
True to our belief that children are powerful agents of change, we involved over 300 children in co-creating the performances. They contributed ideas for games, songs, and costumes, which not only made the shows more engaging but also gave them a sense of ownership and empowerment.
Impact: The Power of Laughter and Play
The true impact of our work lies in the lasting emotional relief and resilience we foster in children. Our performances allowed children to experience moments of joy, creating spaces where they could express themselves and rebuild a sense of normalcy. The benefits extended beyond just entertainment, our activities provided therapeutic support in the form of laughter and emotional safety.
Voices from the field
“I will design the outfits for the clowns! I will make a dress.”
Mia, 8, sketches cats in scarves and sweaters, dreaming of becoming a fashion designer. She and her family fled Ukraine and now live in a refugee centre in Poland. After enjoying a Clowns Without Borders performance, Mia beams, recalling the clown in silver boots, and makes a generous offer of designing clown outfits. The laughter and play provided a moment of normalcy, helping Mia hold on to her dreams. Even in the midst of conflict, she continued to sketch, creating a world of joy for herself, the clowns, and even her beloved cats.
What We Learned
Our time in Ukraine reinforced the profound therapeutic power of laughter and play in crisis situations. We learned that these simple acts can foster connection, build trust, and provide a sense of safety for children facing overwhelming trauma. We also saw firsthand how empowering local artists and staff ensures the lasting sustainability of our model.
- Early Local Engagement: Effective coordination with local partners from the outset is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring smooth execution.
- Increased Playtime: Children and caregivers highlighted the importance of extended pre- and post-show activities, which will be emphasised in future projects.
- Adolescent Participation: More targeted activities for adolescents (12-17 years) are needed, as this age group showed lower engagement in the first round of workshops.
“Laughter makes me forget the war for a moment. I wish I could play forever.”
Nadiya, 9
A Future Built on Joy
Clowns Without Borders UK is committed to continuing our work in Ukraine and beyond, focusing on strengthening local partnerships, increasing support for adolescents, and refining our monitoring and evaluation tools. With ongoing collaboration and funding, we’ll keep bringing laughter, play, and hope to children affected by crisis, ensuring that joy remains a vital part of their healing process.