Success Stories

 Raghad Kilani, 24, from Nablus

“I’m Raghad Kilani, a 24-year-old from Nablus, and my journey in the world of speech therapy and circus arts has been nothing short of transformative. As a graduate in Speech and Hearing, I faced significant challenges during my speech therapy sessions with children. The traditional methods I used, centered around tables and specific toys, often felt limiting and insufficient to truly make a breakthrough. I knew there had to be a better way.

In 2021, my path took an unexpected turn when I joined the Palestinian Circus School. It was there that I discovered a whole new world of possibilities. I participated in various trainings, but one in particular changed everything: circus techniques for trainers working with people with disabilities. This training revolutionized the way I thought about my work. I never imagined I could blend my academic background with circus games in such a creative and impactful way.

One game, in particular, became a cornerstone of my sessions: the “bee game.” Picture this: children buzzing around, mimicking the sound of a bee (the letter “Z”), while their hands fluttered like bee wings. This simple yet genius game not only encouraged them to pronounce the letter “Z” but also engaged their whole bodies, taught them how to mimic movements, and helped build social skills like caring for others and even pretending to be a doctor. What I loved most about this game was how easily it could be adapted for other letters or goals, making each session feel fresh and exciting.

Gone were the days of restrictive, traditional methods. Now, training became a dynamic, creative experience. I started gathering the children in a circle, where they could see and encourage each other, creating an environment of mutual support. We’d begin with simple questions about their morning activities, like “What did you do this morning?” And from their answers, like “I brushed my teeth” or “I made my bed,” we would build on their language skills and encourage a sense of responsibility, even for those with disabilities.

But that was just the beginning. I also started using everyday objects to bring learning to life. A red ball became an apple in our game. Instead of showing a picture of an apple and asking the child to say “apple,” I turned the ball into part of a fun story about an apple tree. The children would “pick apples” from the tree using the ball, which encouraged them to say the word while developing their motor skills at the same time. This storytelling technique, which I learned during my circus training, helped me bring learning to life in a way that was both imaginative and engaging.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that, as circus trainers for people with disabilities, we are not substitutes for specialists, but rather complementary. We must know our limits and when to seek help. The most beautiful part, however, is that many of us, the trainers at the Palestinian Circus School, are also specialists in different fields. This blending of academic knowledge and circus skills has opened entirely new horizons in training and educating children with disabilities here in Palestine.

My work is no longer just about delivering traditional therapy or training session. Instead, I’ve created safe, creative, and innovative environments where both children and trainers can thrive. This shift has made training far more enjoyable for everyone involved—no one feels pressured to follow a rigid, monotonous routine.

Looking back, I can honestly say I’ve transformed. I used to work as a speech and hearing specialist, strictly following a prescribed method. But after my circus training, I broke free from those limitations and began thinking outside the box, embracing creativity in ways I never thought possible.

Today, I’m not just a speech and hearing specialist. I’m also a social circus trainer and project coordinator. Every workshop and training session I lead combines what I’ve learned from my academic background and my circus training. I no longer limit myself to one role or a single approach. Instead, I use flexible and innovative methods to create the impact I’ve always dreamed of.

The Palestinian Circus School has been a constant source of inspiration for me. It’s more than just an institution—it’s a space that gives us the tools and training we need, while also allowing us the freedom to unleash our creativity and ideas. The doors of the circus are always open, encouraging me and my fellow trainers to continue exploring new possibilities and making a real difference in the lives of children with disabilities here in Palestine.”

“I am a student at the sports faculty and the founder of Tulkarem Parkour Team since 2013, the
pioneering parkour and gymnastic team in Tulkarem.
In 2018, I participated in a Training of Trainers (TOT) program organized by the Palestinian Circus School,
earning a certificate as a circus trainer specializing in acrobatics.
In 2021, I established the first academy for parkour and gymnastics in Palestine. During the same year, I
enrolled in the second edition of the TOT program at the Palestinian Circus School.
Currently, I serve as the president of the Parkour League in Palestine, officially recognized by The
International Parkour Foundation.”

“We all know what does “people with disabilities” mean, but we rarely think about what’s in their hearts. To them we are also different. Disability is not a matter of choice; it is simply a will of God. It could have been me, you or anyone else. I, for example, in the 16 years I have lived, have never dealt with them directly. I only knew that they are in need of our attention and support to be able to do all the things we can.

To be honest, I was very eager to take part in this production to prove to the world that we are all the same and together we can make the impossible possible. The first training reminded me of the innocence and kindness that I thought had disappeared from our world. I had no idea how the training will go but I was sure we would laugh a lot, have fun together, and share unforgettable experiences. The first training was filled with unimaginable joy and positivity. It is impossible to be upset or sad while training. For me I forget everything the moment I enter the training. By end of each training, I look forward to the next to see them, deal with them and get to know them better. I can’t wait to show the world how “able” they are. I saw something different than what I used to hear. Everyone should see who they really are. We should all have the awareness that there are no real differences and that we are all able to achieve great things. Through our love and cooperation, we will surprise the world. My name is Dana Joudeh, from Gaza. I have joined the circus school 4 years ago and I am very excited about this project”

I’m Rama Najjar. My journey with gymnastics and circus began when I was just four years old, when I joined the Nablus Circus School. From that moment on, it wasn’t just a childhood activity—it became a way of life that accompanied me in every detail. The circus wasn’t just a place to train; it was my own world, a space where I could discover my abilities and learn how to use my body as a means of expressing myself.

Over the years, my experience grew and my skills developed. I started participating in circus performances and embracing new experiences every time. Although the path was full of challenges—from injuries to exhaustion and intense training sessions—passion was always the driving force that kept me going.

I didn’t stop at being a performer; I also became a gymnastics coach because I truly believe that gymnastics and circus are not just sports—they’re powerful tools for self-expression and building self-confidence.

Currently, I’m studying physical therapy, aiming to combine it with gymnastics so I can understand the body more deeply and help athletes and others improve their performance and prevent injuries.

Also, through my participation in a trainer training course at the Palestinian Circus School, my experience grew significantly—not just in developing my own skills, but also in understanding training methods and how to pass on knowledge to others professionally. This experience broadened my perspective and gave me new tools to support my journey as both a trainer and performer.

Today, after all these years, I still carry the same enthusiasm I had as a child. I have bigger goals now, and my ambition is to spread the culture of gymnastics and circus in a way that helps people see that sport isn’t just about physical effort—it’s a way of life, a source of strength, and a path to creating real success stories. The road ahead is long, but I’m ready for every challenge, and I believe that every new step is an opportunity to inspire others and share my experience with the world.

“Hey, I’m Julia Rafidi, a 21-year-old, rocking my fourth year in accounting at Birzeit University. But let me tell you about my double life—I’m also a circus performer and part-time trainer at the Palestinian Circus School. Flashback to nine years ago, when my parents dragged me to pick up my older brother from a circus lesson. Coach Nayef caught my eye, and I wanted to show him how flexible I am doing splits and bridge and so on, like, “I wanna join!” He dropped the bomb that I was too young, but a year later, I strutted my stuff into the circus scene, ready to flip my world upside down. I worked hard, joining every event the circus does like summer camps, festivals, workshops and so on. Every year, we do a mini circus graduation ceremony, showing our skills that we have been learning during the years for our parents and taking a certificate. Fast forward five years, and we got the golden ticket—a chance to join the “Bridges for Youth” exchange in Germany. 12 of our group were chosen, rolled out a show called “Overcoming Borders.” Performing for total strangers? Major deal. We came back pumped, keeping the show going and cooking up more projects. Time kept moving, and I decided to level up. joined a “Training of Trainers” program, learning the ins and outs of teaching circus magic—skills, vibes, all of it. Teaching clicked for me, especially with kids. So, here I am, juggling university life, performing under the big top, and dropping circus wisdom on the next generation at the Palestinian Circus School.”

“Once upon a time, I found my passion for the circus in the most unexpected place – the heart of the West Bank. It all began with my older brother’s circus training, where I would sit in awe, watching the gravity-defying acts and vibrant performances. Little did I know that these visits would lay the foundation for a remarkable journey under the big top. In those early days, I discovered my innate flexibility, a gift that seemed too advanced for my age. Although I longed to join the circus, I was deemed too young to actively participate. However, that didn’t deter my determination to make the circus my world. The year 2014 marked a turning point as I finally stepped into the colorful world of the circus, participating in local and small shows that brought joy to our families and communities in the West Bank. Yet, our journey faced an unexpected challenge – the harsh reality of the Israeli occupation in Palestine, making performances in the occupied territories a daunting task. In 2017, my personal life took an unexpected twist when I was diagnosed with an eating disorder, anorexia. The struggle was real, and for almost five years, I found myself at odds with my own well-being. The toll on my health forced me to step away from the circus training that I had grown to love. It seemed like the end of a dream. But fate had other plans. A project titled “Bridges for Youth” emerged, and it was an opportunity for me to channel my energy into something greater than myself. The challenges were immense, especially given my ongoing battle with anorexia, but the project became the catalyst for my recovery. With the unwavering support of my circus family, I regained the strength to overcome my eating disorder, and in doing so, I discovered a newfound resilience within. Fast forward to 2019 and 2020, where I took “TOT” workshops, paving the way for me to become a part-time trainer at the circus school. Simultaneously, a new chapter unfolded as we embraced the role of performers at the school, accepting projects that allowed us to showcase our skills locally and internationally. The circus became not just a passion but a platform for personal and artistic growth. As almost 9 years passed in me joining the circus, I reflect on a journey that began with a young dreamer under the big top, faced unforeseen challenges, and emerged victorious against personal adversity. My success story is not just about circus acts; it’s about resilience, triumph, and the transformative power of the circus in overcoming life’s hurdles.”

“Mohammad was born on 2^nd of March in 2003 in Ramallah. His struggle with his disability started the day he was born. Doctors in Palestine could not diagnose his case. He was transferred to Hadassa Ein Karem Hospital. After all lab tests and X-Rays, Mohammad was diagnosed: Mental disability with deficiency in chromosome number 1 and a carrier of Thalassemia. A rare case that he must cope with, since it has no cure. It basically affects his ability to focus, retrieve information, multitasking, speech and sight.

Mohammad did not speak a word until he was five years old. I registered him in a deaf school in Betunia where he was taught his very first words.   

I registered Mohammad in one of the schools, but he wasn’t like the other kids in his class. I enrolled him at The Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center and he kept going to the school twice a week for inclusion purposes until he reached 8^th grade. That’s when Mohammad felt he was different, and he stopped going to school.

 In school, he was always alone. He didn’t play with his classmates. He was unable to express his feelings. In addition to his violent behavior towards himself, he was sometimes hitting his own head and tearing his own clothes.

Fortunately, I heard of the Palestinian Circus School. In cooperation with the Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center, Mohammad became one of the students of PCS. Both centers are credited for his distinction; working relentlessly to enhance his self-esteem and teaching him how to become strong and brave. At PCS, he was trained on the diabolo, pyramids, how to do a front and back roll, how to jump. Mohammad excelled at the diabolo, and became known as “The KING of DIABOLO”. Mohammad’s self-esteem and strength were elevated as he stood on theater in front of big audiences who were clapping for him.

.. My son Mohammad dreams of becoming a circus trainer” Kefaya Assi, Mohammad’s mother.