|
MMCC Global Updates - September 2025
| | |
Dear Friends,
Our hearts are with the victims of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, as well as the over one million Afghan returnees facing extremely difficult conditions after being sent back from Iran in recent months. Together with our dedicated staff, generous donors, and committed team leaders, we are doing our part to provide relief and support.
At the same time, we are grateful to share many inspiring stories from Afghanistan and Bangladesh, stories of resilience, creativity, and hope.
Thank you for standing with us and for being such an important part of our network. We look forward to welcoming you to our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, September 16th at 17:00 CET via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84100766630 Please scroll down for more details.
| | |
Earthquake in Afghanistan:
Fortunately, all of our children and team leaders are safe. Some of our team leaders from Jalalabad, Kunar, and Nooristan have on their own initiative, already been on the ground in Kunar, actively helping with relief efforts. They have been donating blood, searching for victims in the rubble, collecting supplies in Jalalabad, and preparing and distributing food packages.
Two of our circus teams have also started performances and workshops to support children and ease their trauma. In the coming weeks, more performances, workshops, food, and cash distributions are being organized, thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Join our live updates directly from Kunar in the Annual General Meeting 16th of September 17:00 CET on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84100766630
| |
Afghan Returnees:
Over one million Afghans have been forced to return from Iran under extremely harsh conditions in the last few months. Among them are many children who were born in Iran and have never lived in Afghanistan. They arrive not only traumatized by the journey, but also fearful of what awaits them in an unfamiliar homeland.
In Herat, our Social Circus teams welcome these children with performances, collective games, and fun workshops. These activities are currently taking place in a public park where the returnees are staying temporarily in tents.
Thanks to financial support from DERF (Danish Emergency Relief Fund) and the Linda Norgrove Foundation, we are providing psychosocial and integration support for both children and mothers, alongside direct financial assistance to 625 returnee families. To reach even more children, we have created a new special social circus team dedicated to returnee kids, ensuring they can mix, make friends, and find comfort with other Afghan children.
| |
Educational Performances:
Our mobile team has once again toured several provinces with their popular hand-washing show, spreading vital hygiene knowledge in creative and memorable ways. Our local circus teams joined them, adding flair and energy that made the performances even more engaging for children.
The combination of our professional mobile team and the talented young artists from our semi-independent local social circus teams has proven to be a powerful success. Our local teams also play an essential role in facilitating the tours, providing venues, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that these educational performances reach as many communities as possible.
| |
Juggling Championships in Afghanistan:
Once again, hundreds of girls and boys from 15 provinces took part in local and regional juggling championships, which were carefully monitored and judged online by our main office in Kabul.
The final National Juggling Championship was held at our Kabul center and received coverage from Afghan media, highlighting the talent, creativity, and joy of the participants. Looking ahead, we plan to involve even more international professionals to be online judges for next year’s championship, bringing a global spotlight to Afghan children’s skills.
| | |
Juggling Girls Featured on Afghan TV:
Some of our best young Afghan jugglers performed on TV once again this year. We hope to see more children, especially girls, participating in such activities on national media. Highlighting their talents is essential for the entire country, as public recognition of children’s arts helps promote a more peaceful and connected community.
| | |
Popularizing Social Circus in Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh:
After nearly two years of developing social circus programs in the Rohingya refugee camps, we are reaching a tipping point. Our teams are now highly skilled, the children and communities are enjoying the activities more than ever, and other NGOs are recognizing their value.
In partnership with KOINONIA, our teams were invited by organizations like Educo to collaborate on several events, including the Child Fair 2025. This marks a significant milestone and a major success, bringing hope and joy to even more children in these camps.
| | |
Increasing Girls' Participation:
After adding greater focus on girls’ activities, we are now finally also seeing positive results in including more girls in the activities in the Rohingya camps. This has been a significant challenge from day one, as communities in the refugee camps are very conservative, and many girls are initially shy.
Outside the camps, in host communities where KOINONIA, with our support, runs two social circus teams, participation has been much easier, and many girls are actively involved. Across all the teams, we are steadily creating more opportunities for girls to join, learn, and enjoy social circus activities.
| | |
Juggling Championships in Bangladesh:
Over time, the juggling skills of our young artists in Bangladesh, both in the Rohingya camps and in host communities, are steadily improving, and the level of competition is rising. Following the tradition of annual juggling championships in Afghanistan, they have now started similar events in Bangladesh.
Although only a few participants receive trophies, every child who takes part is a winner. The true spirit of social circus lies in participation, personal growth, and building confidence—both individually and collectively.
| | |
Annual General Meeting
Our board and executive directors are pleased to invite you to MMCC’s upcoming Annual General Meeting, which will be held online on Tuesday, 16th of September at 17:00 CET. To join this Zoom meeting, please click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84100766630
We will be dedicating the first 10 minutes to a short live update from Afghanistan, followed by the official meeting's agenda:
1. Election of meeting chairperson and reporter
2. Board of directors report
3. Presentation of accounts
4. Determination of membership fee
5. Proposed resolutions
6. Election of the board
7. Election of internal auditor
8. Other business
Your presence and participation are important as we discuss key updates and future plans. We are looking forward to seeing you online!
To read our 2024 annual report, please click here.
| | |
Become a Member:
As a Danish charity, we need at least 300 members to be allowed to fundraise. Hitting this milestone will also open doors to international and governmental funding. Join us to help unlock more resources and create a greater impact.
Annual membership is just $15 / €15 / DKK100. Pay here:
https://buy.stripe.com/00gcQi3pQaVge5y8wL
Or via PayPal (info@afghanmmcc.org) / Bank transfer:
(IBAN: DK7653310000302374 SWIFT: ALBADKKK).
| | Volunteers make our work possible. Sign up here: | | | | |
