In January 2012, Brighton-based hula hooper Jo Mondy will be bringing the joy of circus to thousands of children in Burmese refugee camps by teaching them how to spin a hula hoop. Read her blog from the 2011 trip here.

Jo is joining forces with charity, Spark! Circus, which brings together a group of 20 circus performers from around the world to spend a month in refugee camps in Northern Thailand.

“I feel so honoured to be a part of this project,” Jo said.

“For the thousands of kids who live in these refugee camps, there are very few opportunities to play,laugh, be creative or have any sort of childhood. That’s where Spark Circus comes in.

“We run circus workshops, bring donations of toys and art supplies, teach the kids how to make their own toys and make them laugh with our silly and fun performances,” she said.

Over 250 000 people have fled oppression, war and poverty in Burma to the refugee camps. Once there, however, they are prevented from leaving and entering Thailand legally.

While the UN, RedCross and other NGOs have set up schools and orphanages and help to provide food and shelter, the refugees live a life of uncertainty and limited freedom.

How can you help?

Spark! Circus is run solely on donations and volunteer work. All donations go towards children’s toys, circus equipment and food for the kids/teachers in the camps.

Click here to donate securely to the project via PayPal