About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Destitute Children in DR.Congo Turn to Acrobatics to Live Off the Roads

by Tanya Thomas on October 2, 2010 at 9:53 AM
 Destitute Children in DR.Congo Turn to Acrobatics to Live Off the Roads

Jonas, 12, finishes his performance balancing on a tall tower of large jam tins, his arms stretched out and his feet wrapped over his head.

"This pose is called 'the end of the evening'," announces his assistant, 11-year-old Richard, moving into the crowd of amazed onlookers on a shabby Kinshasa street to collect a few Congolese francs.

Advertisement

In the hustle of the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, these boys are among about 10 groups of child contortionists who support themselves and their families through a startling routine of twists and tricks.

"They are athletes of a top level," said Guy Nkita, technical director of the Congolese Federation of Athletics.

Several days a week, Jonas and Richard set out after school with their tin cans under their arms and trawl the bustling city of 10 million people looking for a willing audience at open-air restaurants and other relaxed places.
Advertisement

"We spot good people by their cars parked nearby, or how they are dressed or even how they look -- and that is where we work," says barefoot Jonas, who wears only trousers.

"One day, a papa (elderly man), gave us 100 dollars because he was so happy," adds Richard, smiling.

"There are also some days when we get nothing. But we can make between 9,000 and 13,000 Congolese francs (between 10 and 15 dollars) a day," he says.

The boys earn about 300 dollars a month, a fortune in Kinshasa where an average civil servant takes home only 50 dollars a month, if they receive their salary at all.

They use the money to support their families and pay for their schooling, while several thousand other children from destitute families spend their days begging in the streets or looking for something to eat.

Between 15,000 and 20,000 children live on the streets of Kinshasa, and between 40,000 and 50,000 across this country of 68 million people, according to non government organisation estimates.

Richard is already thinking of the future. "For three years I have been performing acrobatics in the road. My big brother taught me. He told me it would help me and we could even go to Europe because of it," he says.

He jumps up from the ground and, with quick precision, wraps one leg around his neck, the other straight, planted in the ground.

"This is the 'resting gun'," Jonas tells a fresh batch of spectators taken aback by the surprising contortions.

Despite their talent, these young acrobats have had no formal training. In the former Zaire, there are no gymnasiums thanks to a history of ethnic strife, war and corruption has saddled the country with a humanitarian crisis and economic woes despite its rich mineral resources.

Yet "these children have shown us they are even capable of performing a routine in a circus," said Nkita of the Athletics Federation. "If we take charge of them, they could carry out performances both on the local level and the international one.

"There are normally clubs for this, but in the Congo the gymnastics federation exists only in name," he said. "It is not operational."

Source: AFP
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News

What Really Happens to Your Skin After Cleansing?
The 'tight' sensation on your face after washing is explained by skin contraction in the outer layer.
Skin Hotspots in Ears & Toes - Safe Haven for Harmful Germs
The skin between the toes and behind the ears can harbor many harmful germs that can cause a variety of skin illnesses.
Work Breaks - Need of the Hour to Counteract Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting among office goers, pose risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancers.
Fear of Garlic Bad Breath? Try Deodorizing Effect of Yogurt
Yogurt's protein and fat content demonstrated its unidentified deodorizing properties against garlic's pungent odor.
Smoking Tobacco and Cannabis Tied to Depression Risk
People who smoke tobacco and cannabis have an increased risk of depression and anxiety than those who use either substance alone or not at all.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Destitute Children in DR.Congo Turn to Acrobatics to Live Off the Roads Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests