A COMMUNITY director from Dursley is soon to set off on a trip to Morocco to help give homeless children a better future.


On Boxing Day, Ben Ward will be going to a small town called Taroudant for ten days to hold circus workshops for some of the hundreds of youngsters on the streets there.


In partnership with The Street Children Project and run by The Moroccan Children’s Trust, Ben hopes youths often stigmatised and isolated from their communities will benefit.


"Learning circus skills is not only great fun, but it is a big confidence booster and a way to break down barriers," said Ben.


"Everyone has the chance to master something new whilst also having fun and being able to enjoy being a child.


"I am delighted to be able to get involved in the project and help raise much needed funds for the orphanage."


Giving Ben a hand will be Sean Ford, a member of Circus Bezerkus.


Ben, 37, and his wife, Jane Manning, founded the Dursley-based community organisation World Jungle, a not-for-profit company in 2000.
 

Together, and with a team of volunteers, they try to improve people’s lives through various activities including circus workshops, Zumba, dance classes and even bushcraft and survival-skills groups.


To raise funds for the equipment needed, World Jungle is hosting two music and dance nights, called The Coco Club, at Lister Hall on Friday, November 9 and Saturday, December 15.


They are also urging local businesses to donate prizes for a raffle.


If you would like to donate to the Moroccan Street Children Project or contribute to the raffle, contact World Jungle on 01453 545202 or 078788 65297 or email ben@worldjungle.org.uk