Our Connection to Dzaleka Refugee Camp

JP Centre Yoga first connected with Donatien Fundi in Fall of 2022 through the outreach work we do in the context of our BIPOC Fellowship Fund. After Donatien discovered the healing power of yoga, he managed against all odds to train as a yoga teacher and started volunteering his time teaching adult and kids classes within the refugee camp. Donatien then recieved a schoalrship to attend our online teacher training and we have been working closely ever since to develop and expand the service of yoga within the camp. Together we are developing teacher training curriculum, providing classes, and improving environmental conditions to support a yoga practice within the camp.

About Dzaleka Refugee Camp

Dzaleka was built in 1994 to house thousands of people from predominantly Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo who were escaping violence in the homeland. The camp was originally designed to accommodate up to 12,000 refugees and is currently (as of May 2023) struggling to house more than 50,600 refugees.

The Importance of Yoga for Refugees

While yoga offers numerous benefits for people of all backgrounds, it holds a particular significance for refugees. For those who have experienced displacement, trauma, poverty, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment, yoga can serve as a transformative tool for healing, empowerment, and resilience.

Physical and Mental Well-Being: Refugees often face physical and mental health challenges resulting from their traumatic experiences and difficult living conditions. Yoga can play a crucial role in addressing these issues. The practice provides an opportunity for refugees to release tension, improve flexibility, and gain strength. The physical movement can assist in restoring a sense of control over their bodies and enhance overall well-being. Moreover, yoga offers numerous mental health benefits. By connecting breath with movement, it encourages mindfulness and helps individuals reconnect with their bodies. For refugees who have experienced a loss of agency and a disconnection from their identity, this can be profoundly empowering. Yoga promotes self-awareness, self-acceptance, and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cultivating Community and Connection: Refugees often arrive in a foreign land feeling isolated and disconnected from their community and support systems. Yoga provides a platform for building supportive and inclusive communities. Whether practiced in dedicated yoga classes or as part of a larger refugee community, it creates a space where individuals can connect, share their experiences, and inspire one another. Yoga classes specifically tailored for refugees foster camaraderie, as participants can empathize with one another's unique challenges and triumphs. The support and understanding gained from this shared experience can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and contribute to a sense of belonging.

Mindfulness and Emotional Resilience: The practice of yoga emphasizes mindfulness, which involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. This skill is especially crucial for refugees, as it enables them to process their past experiences while cultivating resilience to face future challenges. Regular practice can help refugees develop emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and the ability to cope with stress and uncertainty. Through yoga, refugees can learn techniques to ground themselves during moments of anxiety or distress. The breathwork and meditation components provide tools for managing emotions and promoting inner peace. By integrating mindfulness into everyday life, refugees can better navigate the complexities of their circumstances, reduce anxiety, and make informed decisions.

Empowerment and Self-Expression: One of the most profound impacts of yoga on refugees is the restoration of choice and individual agency. Having control over one's body, breath, and practice allows refugees to regain a sense of autonomy that might have been stripped away during their displacement. This empowerment can extend beyond the yoga mat and influence other aspects of their lives. Moreover, yoga encourages self-expression and self-acceptance. Refugees often face cultural, language, and social barriers, which can hinder their ability to communicate their needs and express their identities. In a yoga practice, individuals are encouraged to listen to their own bodies, honor their limits, and embrace their uniqueness. This self-compassion and acceptance foster resilience, confidence, and a renewed ability to show up authentically.

What You Are Funding:

Improved Facilities: JP Centre Yoga is funding the building of toilets adjacent to the community building where yoga classes are held. There are currently no facilities anywhere in the nearby vicinity which is a deterent for people to attend yogs classes.
Teacher Development: In order for residents of the camp to be able to stay connected to JPCY and attend lessons without (well, with less) interuption, they are in need of stronger satellite wifi.
Payroll: Refugees in the camp are not allowed to leave the camp nor can they legally work. A challenge in having consistant yoga classes is that people often have to prioritize other odd jobs that provide some income, when they are available within the camp. Most refugees live off a minimal $11/month stipend from the United Nations. We hope to be able to provide each yoga teacher a monthly payment for teaching.
Gear: Classes are held either in dusty fields or on hard concrete floors. Funds will purchase outdoor ground coverings and indoor yoga gear such as yoga mats and props.

Dzaleka Refugee Yoga Program 2024

By JP Centre Yoga

Dzaleka Refugee Yoga Program 2024

Training Yoga Teachers in Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi