A recent innovation into our programme for children from orphanages or poor families has been the development of Puppet Theatre. Initial training was given in Romania, to our workers from field countries, by experienced puppeteers from Holland.

The training in Romania was supported by a large number of puppets made at our Tailoring Vocational training centre in Valcea.

There are special plays presented at both Easter and Christmas in many children’s homes. Those attending Summer Camps also enjoy these performances. In Albania, Bosnia, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, contributing  workers come from our paid staff as well as from many enthusiastic volunteers.

Typically the theatre is set up in a large room in an orphanage where the screens hide the puppeteers. The story and musical soundtrack are pre-recorded so the message is always given properly and those manipulating the puppets are able to concentrate fully on their task.

It is fascinating to see how involved the audience becomes with the puppets, the story and the underlying message. This includes young children and teenagers as well as those who have learning difficulties or disabilities.
 

Help and hope to Eastern Europe