In the pre-dawn shadows, the air is clear and sharp. Ten acrobats-intraining sprint down the gravel strewn shoulder of the Southern Bypass Highway while cargo trucks flash by, hauling petrol or timber. Across the road, 23-year-old Edwin Moi Mutesia circles a hall on a unicycle. This is Mighty Jambo Circus Academy in Githurai, a professional acrobatic training program for teens and youths from Nairobi’s informal settlements.

For two years, room and board is provided. From 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the students practice handstands, juggle, and perform acrobatic acts on the trapeze, unicycle and tight rope. Launched in 2010 by two Kenyan brothers, John and Ernest Dindy, along with certified acrobatic trainers MathiasKavita, Antony Gathumbi, and Bernard Warothe. The group transforms lives by providing a place for kids and teens to practice art and dance, rather than engage in destructive activity. Just ask Edwin.

He was born in Kariobangi South. With both parents gone, Edwin was sent to Tumshangilie Children’s Home where Mathias was working as an acrobatics instructor, and then he ran away and lived on the street. “I started hustling, carrying groceries for ladies, working on matatus, washing cars,” he says. Still, Edwin liked to practice acrobatics on his own, flipping over sawhorses and landing in a pile of sugar cane shavings. Mathias found him and brought him to an audition at Mighty Jambo. “When at home, I used to do bad things like drink, [chew] miraa and fight,” Edwin says.

“But when I came to Mighty Jambo, I can see now [that] I changed. They treat us like family and now I feel like I’m good, I’m strong, physically and mentally. I can advise other students.”

His maternal grandmother lives in Kibera. “Now I look forward to working as a professional acrobat so I can take care of her and make her happy,” Edwin adds. Co-founder Ernest says that at first, the students lacked discipline and focus; they were shy, unable to interact with one another. Coming from different backgrounds and difficult situations, they weren’t used to the rigorous schedule and found it difficult to follow instructions. But training and living together helped them to grow.

At the hall, they are in constant contact with veteran acrobats and dancers who have traveled and performed in China, Europe, and the Caucasus. This helps the trainees gain confidence. Via Mighty Jambo’s outreach program, the students teach workshops with kids in Githurai and perform at local schools. After the academy, they will tour and perform in Europe.

Age 16, Enose Madaga, has three brothers and one sister. His father died in 2007 and his grandparents raised him in Kayole. Enose says his behavior has improved since arriving at Mighty Jambo: “I’m different. They taught me manners. They taught me good behavior and professional skills. And when I go home, my family says, ‘This boy is now tough, an acrobat.’”