Two South Africans have been awarded internships to further their yoga studies in India, and when they get back they plan to use it for good in their communities.
South Africa (20 February 2020) – Yoga isn’t just an exercise craze, it brings with it a calm ease, a moment to catch your breath, your thoughts and your heart. It grounds you and connects you so something greater, something a little like peace!
If you have ever climbed on the mat feeling deflated, heartbroken or angry, after a session, you find yourself a little lighter.
Two South Africans have felt the power of yoga and hope to use it to empower their communities.
Lusindiso Dibela and Yolanda Ntanyana started studying yoga and have both been awarded internships in India. Yolanda is from Kraaifontein, and Lusindiso is from Khayelitsha.
Meritxell Martorell, the founder-director of Yoga Sinfronteras in Barcelona launched a project to train people to become yoga teachers in conflict areas. Meritxell partnered with the Indoni Dance, Arts and Leadership Academy.
Their partnership grew to include the Health Warriors, a non-profit organisation based in Khayelitsha that trains and provides employment opportunities to people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They find opportunities in the well–being industry, focussing on professions like yoga.
Since the partnership, Yolanda and Lusindiso have received their internationally accredited Yoga Teacher Training Certificates and the opportunity of a lifetime! The pair have been offered a three-month internship at the Sampoorna Yoga, a teacher training school in Goa, India to extend their training.
It is a life-changing opportunity for both Yolanda and Lusindiso. They have been told that their accommodation and living expenses will be fully funded by the school. However, the pair are responsible for their flights.
The Indoni Dance Arts and Leadership Academy have decided to assist with this by creating a crowdfund on BackaBuddy to appeal to the public to assist the deserving graduates in realising their dreams.
In less than 12-hours, they have already raised R4,705.64 towards the goal of R30,000.00. If you are a fellow yogi, or just want to see a dream come true, you can contribute to their fund here.
Yolanda and Lusindiso both come from communities where violence is rife but they are committed to changing that upon their return.
A promise that they are making to every donor that helps their dreams come true.
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