Clowning for smile - Nairobi Hospital Project

        One of the most touching parts of our Performers Without Borders project was for sure each visit in the Jomo Kenyatta Hospital. As a child I've spend months in different hospitals having different health issues. Now I felt like I can take part in giving back some joy to those suffering children. 

           Our task was to walk around rooms with songs on our mouth, gather the youth for the show that some incredible clowns from "Smiles for change" prepared, in which we also took part and visit the burn unit. There were waiting for some time of laughs the ones that couldn't leave their rooms. 

Some of the hospital and "Smiles for change" staff

The work in hospital is filled with dualities. On one side there is US - colorful, laughing, doing circus tricks and smiling at every one around. For being the Rainbow Creatures we get applause and smiles back. And we know exactly why we are there. To give a Little bit of sparkle to the ones that are struggling for years with catastrophies, unfortunate accidents, powerlessness and exhaustion. They get from us a tiny shot of endorfines that are being kept asleep because of the serious conditions. They stay frozen in the corner of the mouth and in tired eyes without seeing a purpose of releasing themselves. Thanks to us, there might be an explosion of happiness hormones that brings a laughing relaxation. Laughter is precious, cause it helps to survive the hardest times. 

Arts&craft activity

On the other side - those CHILDREN. With scars all over their faces and necks, covered with bandages after burns, stuffed with medicaments until numbness, with blown bellys in which fearlessly grows deadly cancer. There is a fog of sickness, sadness, hopelessness and a huge hope at the same time. A hope in parents of this adorable, loving being that in some cases have just been born, that has all the life filled with possibilities. A hope that the light might shine for him that would brighten the labyrinth of future. But a parent that keeps feeding himself with those hopes, everyday sees suffering and deteriorating conditions of his sunshine. The death of other children whose voices just yesterday were resounding from over-packed rooms, from between beds surrounded with machines, pipes and sweaty bedsheets. And this parent despite the doubts has to be strong for his Child and assure everyday, support and encourage to live, convince that constant suffering makes sense, that it is worth living, because maybe one Day it will pass. How difficult is persistence between terrifying truth, uncertain future and shy but strong hope ?

This is why we did our Best to give all of them some safe space to forget even for few minutes about their worries. It was extremely rewarding to see children engaged in the dance, laughing at clowning gags and being amazed with Magic tricks. Sometimes with a glimpse of an eye we could see a parent crying silently somewhere in the corner of the room. Maybe from joy of Seeing his Child happy, maybe just taking advantage of few minutes on his own. Either way, crying is cleansing and they need it for sure...

 The experience of clowning in hospitals had a huge impact on my emotional resistance and ability of seeing good parts of any situation. I was also delighted to work with some local clowns from "Smiles for change" organisation. It is heartwarming to know that the Children have constant dose of joy brought each week by very talented and professional artists.

Remeber how important it is to appreciate each healthy moment of your life and never forget to smile to the ones that you Love <3

Here you can get to know more about Hospital Clowning in Nairobi from its source:

https://sarakasi.org/programmes/smiles-for-change/