Volunteering at CABUWAZI – Through the lens of volunteer Giulia
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.
Read about her impressions from the first half of her volunteering year:
CABUWAZI: My “Himmel über Berlin”
Wim Wenders’ movie Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire) shows the city through the eyes of angels, ordinary people, and circus artists. Maybe following this fantasy is what led me here – to begin my one-year volunteering experience at CABUWAZI through the European Solidarity Corps project.
Berlin is an amazing city full of possibilities, but it also takes a lot of your energy!
I started assisting the circus activities with kids in the Tempelhof tent and have been part of this colorful social circus world ever since. I can describe the first months as hectic, and maybe now things are starting to find order in my mind and in my rhythm.
This project gave me a lot – from the carneval parade in the streets of Neukölln to the projects in refugee shelters, where we connect with kids of different ages and backgrounds using circus. During the week, we mostly work with schools, in every school project week new pupils are coming in to train with us and together, we create a final show for Friday. It is amazing what teamwork can create, and how you see the kids’ abilities grow – from the first time they touch the trapeze on Monday until the curtain of the Showzelt closes on Friday.
During these months, I also assisted at the Freedom of Movement festival and got to see all of the action behind the curtain – talking to artists, assisting the team, and growing both professionally and personally thanks to the amazing people working with me.
My fellow volunteers are for sure the biggest gift of this experience. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by creative, valuable circus artists who help each other – from figuring out where to find the olive oil in the supermarket to learning a new routine on the silks.
In my time at CABUWAZI, I experienced what it means to be part of an artistic, caring community that uses culture and circus as a way to create a better world – one that is active, engaged, and full of the beautiful craziness of circus people from all over the globe.
I really am learning how inspiring it can be to be part of a community – and how powerful circus is.
So watch out, Berlin! The CABUWAZI volunteer community is here to fill you with our energy, passion, and colors from all around the world. — Giulia Urso
