A Cambodian school is on a mission to pull destitute children out of poverty by training them to become top class circus performers and to help give them skills for a better future.

One in five Cambodians live below the poverty line, even more in rural villages. Phare Circus is on a mission to train destitute children to become top-class circus performers of risky stunts, but can they succeed?”

Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera America, visited Phare, the Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap and Phare Ponleu Selpak Association in Battambang. They came to explore how at-risk Cambodian youth are transforming their lives and fulfilling their dreams through art. The program shared the story of Sreyleak Nov and her family as an example of the work being done. Sreyleak graduated from Phare Ponleu Selpak and is a regular performer in the Siem Reap big top. Her younger sister is a student at the school and her mom also works there. https://pharecircus.org/al-jazeera-101-east-cambodia-circus-of-hope/

All eyes are on Nov Sreyleak as she launches onto centre stage with acrobatic stunts at the Phare Cambodian Circus big top. The crowd erupts.

She is living out her childhood dream. It is a big leap from selling rice snacks on the streets to feed her family.

One in five Cambodians live below the poverty line, even more in rural villages.

Back in Sreyleak's hometown, children still scavenge dumpsites to help their families survive.

Phare Circus is on a mission to train destitute children to become top-class circus performers of risky stunts, but can they succeed?

Read more about Phare Circus and booking of tickets here: https://pharecircus.org/ and here: http://www.tourismcambodia.com/activities/cultural-explorations/phare-the-cambodian-circus.htm

Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPSA) or “The Brightness of the Arts” is a non-profit Cambodian association improving the lives of children, young adults, and their families with art schools, educational programs, and social support since 1994. https://phareps.org/