Created between1998 and 2000, the Keïta Fodéba Acrobatic Art Center is a rehabilitation centre for young people in difficult situations. Young people of various profiles are supervised in this socio-professional reintegration space. There are also children abandoned at docks , in markets, as well as prisons. They are trained in various disciplines available within the centre such as circus, crafts, carpentry, sewing …. Today, this centre raises awareness among young people about the dangers of “illegal” migration through circus and forum theatre.

In this article, Dialogue migration helps you understand how art can help fight “illegal” migration. 

The circus as a tool to raise awareness against illegal migration.

Camara Daouda, is the communication officer of the Keïta Fodéba acrobatic centre. “The circus is a way to entertain yourself,” he says.  He recalls that for a very long time, in other countries, especially in the United States, the circus was a means of entertainment for young people. In Africa, this activity is practised with a purely local content, hence the name “traditional circus”.

There are traditional percussionists. “We often raise awareness through gestures, in a mimic way. We put together very comprehensive scenarios that we make available to the general public. Roles are well defined and clear. The participating audience can understand the gestures and messages they want to convey,” explains Mr. Camara.

Emphasising Mr. Camara Daouda, the manager of Cirque Tinafan explains: “2 years ago, we created”Fassa Kagni” which means, home is better. We had the privilege of representing Guinea in several festivals, including in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. » 

These festivals have allowed the centre to forge a partnership with Guinea Solidarity Bordeaux, an organisation that favours culture as a vector of human development. Through this organisation, the centre met donors such as Enabel, a Belgian organisation that promotes sustainable international solidarity and Giron de Bordeaux which supports organisations. They supported the Fassa Kagni project. Currently, the acrobatic art centre has launched an awareness caravan on “irregular” migration and opportunities for local success in Guinea.

Everything happens with the circus and the forum theatre. “Already, everything we do with the circus is traced through the forum theatre. At the end of the show, we will have a discussion between the spectators who are on site, who will ask questions on the theme of migration. On that, there will be a master of ceremonies who will discuss with the spectators to find out what are the causes and harms of migration. »

Abdoul Baldé is the Director of the Artistic Troupe Pottal, he is the author of a collection of poems entitled “Elle Sexpress”. His organisation often participates in raising awareness among young people about the dangers of illegal migration through forum theatre. This theatre model is used in several themes related to “health, education, irregular migration…,” says Abdoul Baldé.

Regarding migration, the Pottal Troop intervenes in areas where there are more departures. Everything starts from the identification of the real causes that push young people to leave. And, to achieve this, “we put on stage scenarios where the participants are the actors of the different plays, because they intervene by proposing solutions to the various problems raised during the performance,” says the Director of the Artistic Troupe Pottal.

Everyone can succeed at home…

“Everyone can go to Europe in their own way,” says Camara Daouda. But according to him, logic would dictate that these would-be migrants should opt for the legal route. “Because today, many young people have died in the desert and in the Mediterranean. However, everyone can succeed at home, you just have to believe in what you are doing,” he pleads. 

He continued: “When you go to Europe illegally you will have to rebuild your life, starting from scratch. Since having papers is not a question of day or month. It takes enough time. Added to this is the age factor that is imposed in the long run. Your dynamism will decrease. So, it’s better to stay at home,” he advises.  Later, the manager appeals to parents: “All I would say to parents is to believe in success by being at home. The main thing is to believe in yourself and put the resources at their disposal, and they (young people, Editor’s note) will do well in Guinea. »

Art, a powerful medium…

“Art is a very powerful way to fight migration. Imagine today we have more than 200 students who travel all over the world within the centre. The rule is: “any artist who travels on behalf of the Keïta Fodéba centre returns at the end of his contract. That’s why the centre is a rotating platform for circuses around the world,” says Camara Daouda, the communication officer of the Keïta Fodéba acrobatic centre. It should also be noted that this socio-professional reintegration centre often stands out in many international competitions. In 2016, the Keïta Fodéba centre won the first edition of “Africa has an incredible talent” with the participation of the two Sylla brothers, who are currently in the United States.

The year 2022 was also a trophy year for the acrobatic centre, during the “Afro Super Talent” event, with a young rebounder who is currently in Canada. The latter has just finished a tour in Canada, passing through the United States and Australia. He signed a contract for 3 years. As soon as the contract ends, he comes back because he knows, staying there is not worth it and no one will be able to come and take him without going through the centre.