School children from Lavender Hill and Khayelitsha are learning how to use yoga to slow down and reconnect with their inner selves through Yoga. Earth Child Project(ECP) works with 8 schools by offering complimentary education to disadvantaged schools with a focus on the environment, health and self-development. The yoga classes proceed after school and they are carried out by Nokuphiwo Jada, Earth Child Project (ECP) Facilitator
“After being introduced to yoga and because of its benefits, I got inspired to introduce it to my community, with the idea of bringing it to underprivileged primary schools,” said Nokuphiwo. According to ECP, yoga reduces stress and improves concentration; creates calmness and an increased sense of peace and connection to self. “I love yoga because it makes me fresh and powerful. Every morning I do yoga before I wash my body. My favourite posture is the tree said Zola Matembisa, Grade 7 Learner
Jada says the yoga sessions have had an incredible impact, with changes in pupils’ behaviour and teachers noting that pupils are much calmer following the yoga sessions. She emphasizes that school is stressful and pupils have to attend lessons longer than their attention spans, absorb a huge amount of information and participate in extracurricular activities.
ECP also hosts a one-day convention for the teachers who play a crucial role in children’s lives. The aim of the TEACHERS WELLNESS CONVENTION is to empower teachers with the knowledge and tools to better manage their stress and improve their health and overall well-being.
