A Circus of Street Kids: Mongolia

In Darkhan, northern Mongolia, is a circus group made up of street kids. Of the 30 performers aged between 8 and 25, nearly half once lived on the streets. The group's leader, Tumur, once performed in circuses around Europe with his wife Battsetseg. After returning to Mongolia in 2005, they saw how many kids lived on the streets, and resolved to help them, feeding them and teaching them circus skills as a form of physical training. Starting with simple juggling and backflips, before long the kids were learning more difficult skills. Since 2011, the troupe has been operating as a professional circus group. Circus skills have given these former street kids hope. We look at the challenges they faced, and the bonds they share with Tumur and his wife.