Through the lens of volunteer Giulia – “New Beginnings”

Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). During their service at CABUWAZI they support our circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.

Among our current volunteers is Giulia Urso, who joined in September 2024. She has contributed her skills in content creation to document her circus journey throughout her volunteer year—capturing not only her own experiences, but also the dedication and commitment of everyone involved. Through her lens, she showcases the vibrant spirit of our community and highlights the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI.

Giulia followed the new generation of volunteers, who started mid-March, during their first days – read more about it here:

New Beginnings

The sun is shining and spring has finally arrived in Berlin! With its warmth comes the “new generation” of CABUWAZI volunteers, ready to start their one-year journey under the circus tents.

The first weeks are all about building the group: visiting each CABUWAZI location, doing activities together, discovering Berlin—and most importantly… Deutschkurs! These first steps help the new volunteers feel at ease in Berlin and get familiar with the environment where they’ll live and work throughout their volunteering time.

The volunteer´s work is mainly divided between Schulprojektwochen (school project weeks) and Zirkusferienwochen (cirucs holiday weeks), where they assist trainers in teaching circus skills to children, and work together to prepare a final show. In addition, volunteers often assist in evening courses, training with refugee groups and the youth group—a group of young artists training at CABUWAZI.

As June approaches, so does the Carnival of Cultures, Berlin’s vibrant parade where artists and social initiatives fill the streets with color. CABUWAZI and its volunteers will be there too, spinning poi, twirling hula hoops, juggling clubs, and sharing the circus spirit!

This new generation of volunteers comes from France, Morocco, Italy, Palestine, Brazil, and Turkey—each bringing their own pedagogical and circus experience to Berlin through the European Solidarity Corps project at CABUWAZI.

Last week, the new volunteers visited CABUWAZI Altglienicke, helped out in the garden, explored Berlin by bike and public transport (despite the BVG strikes!), and even went forest bathing to reconnect with nature and discover a quieter, unexpected side of the city.

So a new journey begins—blooming like spring itself. With fresh faces and new energy, the CABUWAZI family grows even bigger and more diverse! — Giulia Urso (April 4, 2025)