Assirk Assaghir

Introduction:
What is Social Circus?
Social Circus is an innovative model that uses circus arts as a tool for personal and community development for children and youth. This type of circus aims to empower participants by equipping them with skills such as teamwork, self-confidence, and self-expression in a safe and encouraging environment. In Nablus, Social Circus creates a supportive space for children from underprivileged areas, helping them overcome the psychological and social challenges arising from the difficult conditions they live in.
Foundation:
Assirk Assaghir is an independent Palestinian association that originated as an idea among a youth group in 2004, a time when the political situation in Nablus was extremely complex due to the reoccupation of Palestinian territories. The association was initially established to bring joy and playfulness to children and help them cope with their difficult psychological states. Assirk Assaghir continued to work in schools, villages, and Palestinian refugee camps as a youth initiative until it was officially registered with the Palestinian Ministry of Interior in 2011.
Registration:
- The association has been registered with the Palestinian Ministry of Interior under the number NA-7273-CU since 2011.
- It is also registered with the Ministry of Culture as a cultural center under the number 358\ن\100\2018 since 2018.
Memberships:
Assirk Assaghir holds full membership in the Caravan Social Circus Network, headquartered in Brussels [Caravan Circus Network](https://www.caravancircusnetwork.eu/nablus-performing-arts-circus-school/), and enjoys a wide network of connections within and outside Nablus.
Vision:
To create an environment where every child and young person can express themselves freely and safely through performing arts, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, creativity, and joy.
Mission:
To collaborate with local, regional, and international partners to advance performing arts and empower Palestinian children and youth, fostering creativity and social participation for a more just and prosperous society.
Goals:
1. Artistic Development and Skills Enhancement**
- Strategic Goal: Develop and enhance participants' skills and artistic abilities in circus arts.
- Specific Objectives:
- Provide high-quality training in various circus arts and disciplines.
- Create opportunities for talent to be showcased through performances, events, and artistic workshops.

2. Creative Industry
- Strategic Goal: Establish a vibrant artistic incubator to support creativity and professional growth in the arts.
- Specific Objectives:
- Secure dedicated spaces to meet artists' needs within the creative industry.
- Foster a supportive community within the incubator, encouraging collaboration and idea exchange among emerging artists.

3. Psychosocial Relief through Circus and Community Engagement and Awareness
- Strategic Goal: Promote personal growth, self-expression, and resilience through participation in circus arts and community initiatives.
- Specific Objectives:
- Create a supportive and inclusive environment for personal growth, self-expression, and resilience.
- Collaborate with local, regional, and international organizations to create opportunities for therapeutic circus performances.

4. Organizational Sustainability and Growth**
- Strategic Goal: Ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization.
- Specific Objectives:
- Develop a sustainable financial model by diversifying funding sources.
- Establish a specialized Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) unit to continuously assess programs and operations, improving overall impact.
- Provide advanced training and development opportunities for the circus team.
- Forge local and international partnerships to enhance collaboration in performing arts and therapeutic circus.

Human Capital:
The association has a team of qualified trainers who have received international training in Europe as well as local courses. Additionally, it has a specialized artistic team for circus performances that participates in both local and international events. The association also has a volunteer unit to support its activities across the West Bank, alongside its administrative staff.

Governance:
Assirk Assaghir is financially and morally independent, with a general assembly and an administrative board elected every two years. An external auditor reviews the association’s financial accounts annually, providing an independent report. The organization adheres to numerous internal and external regulations that govern its operations and activities, which include:
- Gender equality in employment and promotions
- Project Management Manual
- Administrative and Human Resources Procedures Manual
- Financial Procedures Manual
- Procurement Manual
- Project Writing Manual
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy
- Volunteering Policy
- Child Protection Code of Conduct
- Inclusion in Activities
- GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion).