Yellowknife (Sep 24/03) - Laughter is the best medicine. Smiles spread across the faces of students at J.H. Sissons School on Friday when Clowns Sans Frontiere, a group of French clowns, paid them a visit.

Created by Jacques Theriault in Quebec in 1994, Clowns Sans Frontiere, otherwise referred to as Clowns Without Borders, have been travelling worldwide to improve the lives of children.

"Children all over the world have bad lives," said Theriault. "We just want to make them smile."

In recent years, the clowns have toured as far as Sarajevo, visiting refugee camps, schools and hospitals, determined to improve the living conditions of children by acting.

The message never changes no matter where they perform.

The clowns act so violence does not become a fatality.

Following an hour-long routine that included unicycle riding, juggling, and balloon blowing, the three presenters took a moment to reveal the real message behind their act.

"Keep your friends," said Nicole Andrews, a Grade 5 student and participant in the event.

Andrews said that although she enjoyed the juggling act most, the message was made very clear.

Guy Paradis, supervisor of instruction at Yellowknife Education District 1, also said while the act was entertaining, the message is most important for the students.

"It really is beautiful that they do this," said Paradis. The clowns left Yellowknife on Sunday, and moved on to Fort Smith to entertain.