For thousands of years yoga has helped soothe anxious minds and mould flexible bodies.
Now hundreds of schoolchildren from rural communities are doing the downward facing dog and striking poses like a tree, mountain or dolphin to instil calm and help cope with stressful conditions in their classrooms and homes.
Yoga and meditation have become an integral part of weekly interactive classes at the Open Learning Academy, a programme run by rural education NPO the Good Work Foundation.
The foundation, which oversees five digital learning campuses in Hazyview and Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga and one in Philippolis in the Free State, has piloted a model for rural primary pupils that has learning at its core. It expands learning opportunities beyond traditional education settings.
Each week children living on the borders of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park are transported to the foundation's campuses where they are exposed to activities centred on boosting the fundamentals of digital, mathematical and English literacy skills.
But these are not run-of-the-mill lessons. They are interspersed with music, poetry, dancing, yoga and mindfulness activities to keep their minds focused.
Humanium, an international child rights organisation, says a growing body of research has shown that yoga can improve children's focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance and classroom behaviour and reduce anxiety and stress.
Programme manager Cath Holm said the children are “typically attending schools with large class sizes and minimal resources and are generally living in poverty”.
“By offering an integrated curriculum, the foundation aims to support children to face challenges in life, build resilience and cope with adversity.
“It empowers them to ... play an active role in finding their passions and forging their own path in life. It provides tools and encourages skills they are able to draw on long after leaving campus.”
Once a week the children gather for their yoga classes, taught by facilitators from the area who have been trained by teachers and volunteers.
The children are encouraged to practise yoga at home, and some resources, such as links to videos and apps, are shared with them.
The children are also taught about mindfulness — a practice of purposely bringing one's attention to the present moment through meditation or other training.
“Mindfulness activities are also integrated as part of the curriculum stream. These may include guided visualisations, mindful colouring, breathwork brain breaks and meditation.”
Yoga provides an opportunity for the children to connect with their bodies and their breath. Through movement and mantras it offers a way to support children to develop stillness, confidence and calm
— Programme manager Cath Holm
Community facility organiser Tumelo Ndlovu said she has seen how yoga helps the children cope with stress and improves their balance and flexibility.
“It's also improving their concentration and focus in class. The children are learning breathing techniques.
“Breathing properly will help them achieve a level of control over their emotional wellbeing and give them a sense of relaxation.”
Yoga teacher Pius Gwebe said: “It makes us feel happy doing yoga, especially as it is something that is not generally done in our community.
“It's definitely benefiting the children. The exercise and meditation are helping them feel more relaxed,” he said.
Holm said the children from grades 5 to 7 are also being taught coding, robotics, creative arts and conservation, including the perils of poaching.
“This integrated curriculum exposes learners to learning and development of skills that are relevant for potential future employment and contribute to the growth and wellbeing of society.”
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