World Circus Day was celebrated in Herat with performances featuring circus, acrobatic, and sports displays by children, organized by the Afghanistan Educational and Training Center.

According to statistics from the center, over 2,500 boys and girls across 20 provinces are currently enrolled in its educational programs.

Wahid Isar, head of the Educational and Training Center in Herat, told TOLOnews:
“We work on both educational and recreational programs. Our main focus is on fun-based activities such as circus, acrobatics, gymnastics, and theater. We also conduct sports training with these children.”

Some of the children said that learning circus arts and physical activities has helped strengthen their mental and physical capabilities. They said that although they’ve trained for months, lack of facilities has hindered their progress.

Younes Karimi, a student, said: “Our biggest problem is the lack of facilities. We want the resources to be provided so we can continue practicing.”

Wali Ahmad Akbari, another student, said: “Our performances today included circus, acrobatics, and gymnastics.”

The goal of these circus and sports programs is to support the mental and physical development of children.

Abdul Rahim Radmanesh, a circus instructor, told TOLOnews: “We help children learn how to plan for big things from a young age. The focus is on building their physical and mental strength and boosting their confidence so that when they go on stage, they do so with energy and self-assurance.”

The Afghanistan Educational and Training Center has been operating for more than two decades, and aims to develop children’s abilities through circus, sports, and acrobatic performances.