Africa Yoga Project

On Saturday morning Nicole, Caroline, Mikayla and I took part in an Africa Yoga Project community class. We found out about the Africa Yoga Project from one of Mikayla's family friends and decided to try it out. The Africa Yoga Project was started in 2007 by Paige Elenson. The idea of the project was to train young boys and girls to be yoga teachers giving them employment which in turn can lead to an avenue of education and empowerment. This is very much needed in Kenya as over 70% of youth is unemployed. A couple days a week the Shine Studio where Africa Yoga Project is based gives completely free classes to the community, even your mat is included. After the 2 hour class the studio servers a free meal to the participants. The project is wildly successful with over 6,000 people participating in 300 community yoga classes weekly in 80 locations throughout Africa. In addition, more than 200 young people are trained as teachers earning a living wager by teaching yoga to people who otherwise would not have aches to this amazing practice.

I have been to my fair number of yoga classes but never have I felt so much love, passion or joy in a class. The room on Saturday was jammed packed with people from all walks of life coming together for one goal, to do something wonderful for their body physically and mentally. The two hour classes started by everyone hugging 5 strangers, connecting us as one. The classes was a vinyasa flow class and no joke at that. Our instructor kept us moving but also always connecting the group together. We were asked to support one another through out the practice. The vibe in the room was so light hearted and care free with people making jokes throughout the practice. After class we shared a meal of rice, beans, and chapatti. Who doesn't love chapatti after yoga! I was so inspired by what this woman was able to do through yoga. She transformed lives and a community. It is such a powerful practice and has the ability to move mountains.

I look forward to going to many more community classes throughout my next 6 weeks here.

I have included the link to the project's website and encourage you to check it out :)

https://www.africayogaproject.org