"What started as a few modest workshops with children living on the streets of Zambia has organically grown into one of the most exciting and inspiring projects
working with children in the country" (Grainne O'Neill Barefeet Co-Founder).

Barefeet is a creative arts and performance project staged, rehearsed and presented mainly, though not exclusively, by children on, or formerly on, the streets of Zambia. The project uses theatre, art, dance, music and creative writing as a tool to engage with and support the development of children most at risk of disengaging from their communities. Barefeet offers them an opportunity to have their voices heard and a channel through which to express themselves. It works. Its not rocket science, by giving children some encouragement, confidence, self belief and allowing them to 'shine', you can really start to work together to find brighter opportunities.

It enables children to be children

It enables children to be children and to discuss topics or issues they feel important and ultimately allows them to showcase their talent while giving them dignity and worth.

The overall goal of Barefeet is to prevent children from living on the streets and the organisation works with its partners to assist in the shared goal of moving the children on the street to a safer environment.You can give a human being water, food and clothes for their back, but unless you work with a human being's spirit... change will take time.

Uniquely Barefeet is made up of young artists, most of whom were formerly on the streets, who are now working as artists/ facilitators and managers with various responsibilities.Currently, Barefeet has more than 30 members in five Zambian cities who work in various disciplines, passing skills and encouraging creativity, discipline and ambition among the young people. From issue-based drama to political satire, from popular musical theatre to gruelling physical spectacles, Barefeet Theatre relishes the versatility of the group in creating relevant and vibrant new work.The company is frequently commissioned to write and perform new pieces of theatre throughout Lusaka and beyond. Together the workshop facilitators and children produce several performances during the year, culminating the the annual 'Barefeet Festival' every October where each of the centres performs for their peers, and the general public!

Grace Tombozi Banda - Finance Officer

My name is Grace Tombozi Banda. I am 26 years old. I am a mother to a beautiful baby boy. I am currently the finance officer for Barefeet, as well as a performer and facilitator. I enjoy what I do so much. I am going back to school in July to pursue a diploma. 2007, when I started Barefeet, was when I was at college and my sister introduced me to Adam. I wanted to volunteer, as I wasn’t busy with anything else. When I started I really loved what Barefeet was doing with the children and I decided to stay. Since then, there’s no looking back. They’ve awakened the performer in me and the passion I have for children. Fate brought my husband, John, and I together at Barefeet. We now have a ‘Barefeet baby’ (he even has a birthmark of a foot on his chest)!

Taonga Tembo - Events and Programmes Director

I joined Barefeet in 2007 after having worked with Bora Arts Theatre. Since then I have worked tirelessly in the management as Events and Programmes Director. I am the man behind the performing arts department, organising the festival and other children performances in the community.

Adam McGuigan - Artistic Director

I have been working with Barefeet since 2006. Since then I have lost 3 stone in weight but gained many wrinkles, grey hairs and frown lines. Setting up a small charity has been a mammoth task filled with red tape, bureaucracy and procedures. What makes it all worthwhile is working with the Barefeet children and realising we have stumbled across a movement which is actually saving and changing young peoples' lives. Barefeet has its own momentum and I am proud to be involved with an organisation which is moving in a powerful, ethical and dynamic direction. Every child in the world should experience what we do, so I guess we have some work to do. Bring on the grey hairs!

Tobias Tembo - M&E/ Communications Manager

Tobias has been with Barefeet since 2007. In that time he has been integral in the development of the organisation. Frequently the public face of the organisation representing us in the UK, Ireland, Poland, Finland and most recently on the Ellen DeGeneras show in the USA.

Susan Siyanga – Facilitator/Performer

I am Susan Siyanga. I am 23 years old. I started working with Barefeet in 2006. I am a mother, facilitator and performer. The reason why I work with Barefeet is because I like working with children and I always love what Barefeet does. I might go back to school next year. Barefeet has helped me a lot, especially when it comes to workshops. They’ve helped my parents home, in terms of financing. I’m inspired by the work they do and I have a passion for working with children. Dancing is my talent, and they give me the opportunity to do everything I love. With Barefeeet, I’ve had the experience of going abroad (in 2008 we went to UK); I had the chance to meet other theatre companies. They’re just great. BAREFEET ONE LOVE

David Kafula – Facilitator/ Performer

David Kafula is my name, aged 27 years old. I joined Barefeet in 2007, month of March. I’m a facilitator and a performer. When I was a kid, both my parents passed away. I was staying with my auntie and uncle, they weren’t taking good care of me, so I decided to run away. I found myself on the streets. I was picked from the streets to a drop in centre where I learned to read and write. From there I went to a Catholic school and then boarding school, where I joined theatre. I came back from school in 2005. In 2006 I was in Bora Arts Theatre and we had a job with Barefeet guys. After, Adam and PCI combined us and we all became Barefeet. Since I was also a street child, I enjoy working with the children because I can connect to them as I was in the same situation.

Michael Chanda – Facilitator/ Performer

My name is Michael Chanda. I am 27 years old; I am a performer and a facilitator. I am one of the founders of Barefeet. I have been with Barefeet since it started in 2006 and I am so happy with what I do. I trained in theatre in Liverpool (Hope Street) for 6 months. We met with Adam, as we were already doing drama, so we started Barefeet in 2006. By that time I was doing nothing, as we finished school, so by working with Barefeet, we set a good example to kids, as its very difficult here when you’re doing nothing, as it’s very possible to start drinking, smoking etc. Because I was on the street before I thought I could be a good role model to the kids as now I am doing something. I enjoy working with Barefeet because, even when I was on the street, drama was one of the tools that made me move out of the street and start school. By following Barefeet activities in the centres, kids are able to also move out of the streets.

John Chanda – Facilitator/ Performer

My name is John Chanda. I am a performer and a facilitator of Barefeet. I have a baby boy. I am turning 28 years of age this year, October 4^th. I trained in theatre in Liverpool (Hope Street) for 6 months. I am one of the founders of Barefeet. I enjoy working with Barefeet as I was in the street before and I know I need to help others to be considered in society as well. Also, I enjoy working with Barefeet as this is my career and I need to keep on improving. My favourite part of working with Barefeet is performing and working with the children. We’ve had the opportunity to do international tours and local tours. My time in the UK helped me, as it was a different touch in the way of theatre, it is very different from Zambia. We can combine European theatre and Zambian theatre.

Mosten Mutale – Zone Manager

My name is Mosten M. M. Mutale, aged 31. I have been involved with Barefeet work for the past 3 years now and still a Barefeet facilitator and artist!

Ndala Bukola – Zone Manager

I am Ndala Bukola, a male Zambian by nationality, born in 1986, October 31^st. I am a core member of Barefeet since the organisation started. I am a facilitator and I do performing arts. I also outreach to the street children. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mwenya Yamba Yamba – Admin Assistant

My name is Mwenya Yembayamba AKA ‘Mwenyonee’, aged 26 years. I am a Zambian by nationality, born on the 3^rd of November 1985. I am a mother of one, currently pursuing a diploma in journalism and working as a facilitator/office management for Barefeet Theatre Company Zambia. I like dancing and acting which makes me an artist, my hobbies are swimming, cooking, reading, writing and making friends.

Richard Chombu – Designer/ Facilitator

I am Chombu Richard. I am a dancer, drum beater, singer and designer and facilitator. I am 28 years old. I’m interested in art, design and drama. I’ve been doing drama since 1996 with many of the other facilitators from Fountain of Hope. I joined Barefeet in Dec 2006 during AIDS week, when the guys were having workshops in the centres. I was part of the group who were learning to drum and I was training to be a facilitator. Barefeet has helped me as I’ve learned many skills from the volunteers that have come. I am very interested in costume making and design and Barefeet has given me the opportunity to do that. I’ve learnt communication skills, such as Facebook, Skype and how to use a computer. I’ve also been given the opportunity to travel to South Africa to perform.

Mercy Kamula – Facilitator / Performer

My name is Mercy Kamulu AKA Messi and I am 18 years old. I have been with Barefeet for 4 years. I used to be at Fountain of Hope as a kid there, I was one of the children that Barefeet worked with. I was a trainee when I first joined BF, then I became a facilitator. I started first with a centre called Mapode Girls and now I’ve been working with Barefeet in performing, workshops and plays. Barefeet has helped me go back to school and finish my grade 12. Right now, I’m looking forward to going to college and studying social work. I also play basketball for the national team. I enjoy working with Barefeet because I get information how to take care of myself, how to take care of the kids on the street, and how to help them.

Bright Kalutwa – Facilitator / Performer

My name is Bright Kalutwa and I am 21 years old. I started doing acrobats when I was in grade 7. We met Adam, Grainne and Champion when we were performing at the Lusaka Showgrounds and we were asked to join Barefeet. I like Barefeet because it’s inspiring in different ways, we learn different skills whereby we can interact with different people, and it doesn’t matter where they’re from. Among these people we can share experiences and backgrounds and it’s touching to hear some of their stories. You can learn from the skills others have and they can also learn from you. I’ve been able to go to Europe for Contacting the World where I’ve shared my skills and learnt a lot of things that I’ve brought back to Zambia and shared with my team, African Dance Factory. We’re international and we’d like other groups of our age to have the same opportunities and see Zambia develop with skills and talent. Barefeet has helped me. You can learn from anyone, it doesn’t matter his or her background.

Richard (Masinga) Musonda - Performer

I’m Richard Musonda, aged 17. When I first met Barefeet I was living, just like any other young person who lives from a certain compound in Zambia. I was in one of the centres where Barefeet were running workshops. One of the Barefeet facilitators recognized me as a hard worker at the centre, and they decided to put me into the Barefeet senior group, in which I joined this year (February 13^th 2011). I was very inspired by what Barefeet does and what they’ve been doing for us since they started. I wanted to be one of the facilitators to help my fellow young ones on the street. I enjoy working at Barefeet because they are trying to build my talent more and more, therefore my talent is being improved in so many ways. I’m also talented in such a way that I can be able to work with anyone on anything. I’m looking forward to improving my talents and helping other children. My hobbies are playing football, swimming and a little bit of basketball.

Ackim (Chairman) Zulu - Performer

I’m Ackim Zulu. I joined Barefeet on 13^th February 2011. I joined Barefeet because I was inspired by what they do. Barefeet has helped me in so many ways. For example, they have taught me how to perform in the community, how to organise the children in the community and what leadership is (that’s why I’m called the chairman now). Through what they have taught me (drama), I can also teach my fellow youth in the community.

Francis Mwanza - Performer

My name is Francis Mwanza and I’m 18 years. I came to Barefeet on 13^th January 2011. I came as a drumbeater. I joined the Barefeet performance group after I helped drum at one of the performances. It’s much better to come to Barefeet rather than staying at home, where others are drinking and smoking, as they are staying without any job. We come and we have workshops and performances and we learn lots. Others are stealing to get their money; instead, we are working with Barefeet. I enjoy drumming because that’s the talent I have and with Barefeet I can perform my talent. I came here to build my talent and to teach those who don’t know how to drum. I enjoy teaching others and helping them learn.

Charles Tembo – Faciltator / Performer

My name is Charles Tembo, I’m a member of Barefeet, and I’m 21 years old. The first time I met Barefeet I was living on the street. Barefeet came and taught me at workshops at Fountain of Hope and Lazarus Project and I returned back home, off the streets. Barefeet visited me at home and they chose me as a trainee. I did training for 6 months and I’m now a facilitator. I enjoy Barefeet because they are working with vulnerable children. They help children in the same situation that I was in. My life has changed because I am now able to stay at home and pay my house. I don’t need to beg on the street anymore.

Martha Mkandawire – Facilitator/ Performer

Martha Mkandawire is my name; I’ll be turning 26 on 10^th June. I started working with Barefeet in 2006. We started with 6 centres, we had no money and we were walking to all the centres. I get inspired working with Barefeet because I was one of the street kids but I changed, and I thought that my friends could also become inspired to change as I did and became a facilitator. I worked with PCI (from 2007 to 2010) and Africa KidsSafe as an outreach officer. I was also working with children on the street; talking to them, telling them the bad things about staying on the street so they can also change. We were even doing the home tracing. I enjoy working with Barefeet because I love dancing and acting and they allow me to do what I enjoy.

Kelvin Tembo - Performer

I’m Kelvin Tembo, I’m 21 years old. I joined Brefeet in 2008. My father died in 2005 in November, and then my mum died August 12^th 2008. Barefeet has helped me as I was in the process of making a decision of going to the streets, as I had no relatives left, but I’m staying now with my sister’s mum. Barefeet helped me to make a positive decision of not going. I enjoy drumming and poetry. Barefeet helps me use my talents. I like Barefeet as I have a heart to help my friends who are in similar situations. I want to be like Adam who is taking care of the children out on the streets.

Champion Mukanaka – Facilitator / Performer

My name is Bwela Mukanaka (known as Champion), born in 4^th April 1983. Fountain of Hope was supporting me when I first joined Barefeet, which is where it was founded. Adam visited Fountain of Hope with an idea of having a intervention centre, which is where the 5 of us (me, the twins, Ndala and Lubase) met where drama is concerned. We had interest and talent and we accepted Adam’s offer. We started inspiring other guys to join, as well as running a simple workshop. Thereafter, we started going to other centres and giving workshops, using drama to inspire them. We started sharing knowledge using drama methods, and encouraging them to stay off the streets. As the years go on, we have the opportunity to share and build our talent and creativity. They have helped me to know and interact with other people. I’ve travelled for the first time; I attended the Shakespeare festival and Contacting the World. We had a few TOT’s within Barefeet with guys from Ireland. I enjoy working with Barefeet because it works with young people which really helps me to improve my talent and I have the opportunity to share with other youth. Through Barefeet I came to realise I have a skill of working with kids, and I’ve now become a children minister and coordinator of the children’s council.

Island Phiri - Facilitator

My name is Island Phiri, I’m 25 years old. I started with Barefeet in 2007. In 2006 I had a group called Builders of the Light Attitude (BOLA), my group met Adam and Tobias, and we combined the group with Barefeet. I’m happy to work with Barefeet as I was once a street kid and people have helped me, so I love to work with the children. I like Barefeet because it gives people something to do, and they have helped me a lot as they’ve taught me skills I did not know before, such as acting, drumming, singing, and more confidence to do such things. Soon I will be releasing an album, as I am also an artist.

Ephraim Phiri – Zone Manager

Ephraim Phiri is my name. I’m 24 years old. I started working with Barefeet in 2009, through a project called Bwacha Twanga Le. I came into Barefeet as a facilitator. I had just finished school when I joined. It was possible for me to be part of Barefeet as I was working with Tobias and Taonga at Zambian Red Cross Drop in centre, as a peer educator. Later I became a full Barefeet facilitator and in 2010 I had an opportunity to be a zone manager, for zone 1. I’m also a Barefeet actor and singer. Barefeet has helped me to earn a living, advance my career and improve my talent as an actor. I really love to work with Barefeet as I’ve always enjoyed working with children. I have made new friends and I’ve exposed my skill as an actor to a lot of people. I’m currently in a movie called “Seven more days”. I was exposed during the “All Hail Chief of Chimbombobombo” play at Lusaka Playhouse.