The United States of America, the world's leading economic power, currently faces many challenges with regard to the socio-economic well-being of its population. Indeed, 12.4% of American families, or nearly 40 million people, live below the poverty line. In addition, nearly 20% of American children under the age of 17 live in poverty.

In New York, 25% of children (nearly 400,000) come from households living below the poverty line. In addition, 50% of children in grades 3 to 8 in public schools score below average in reading and mathematics (Source: Keeping Track of New York City's Children, 2024).

Using dance as a gateway to educational and psychosocial activities, Mindleaps supports children affected by economic disparities, social injustices, or poverty.

In Mauritania, where nearly a third of school-age children are out of school and the rate of early marriage is nearly 40%, the Dance & Data programme set up in 2017 by Mindleaps, in partnership with the NGO SOS Pairs Educateurs, has helped more than 400 out-of-school children, the majority of whom are girls, to integrate into school through dance and the learning of key psychosocial skills.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, faced with the worrying observation that young Americans, particularly those in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, were experiencing a decline in their socio-emotional skills, and drawing on 10 years of experience in creating a methodology for developing these skills, MindLeaps decided to expand its reach in the United States, specifically in New York City, in the working-class neighbourhoods of the Bronx and Queens.

Since its launch in 2022, the NYC Dance & Data programme has benefited 40 children from low-income families, the majority of whom are of Hispanic origin.

While initial results show a beneficial change in the socio-emotional skills of the children involved, MindLeaps wants to go further to support these young people on their path to success, particularly by reaching out to their communities through a parent support programme that will identify the specific needs of families and help them secure their children's future.

AMADE's support enables MindLeaps to increase the programme's visibility in Mauritania and to strengthen and develop the programme in New York City by sharing experiences and exploring new initiatives such as the family strengthening programme.