This is how it all began…
In 2006, AYP Founder and Executive Director, Paige Elenson, was on a safari with her family in Kenya when she saw some Kenyan acrobats doing handstands in the bush. Although she was told to stay in the jeep, she couldn’t help herself. She got out and showed them that she could stand on her hands too! After the safari, she came back to New York and kept receiving calls from the Kenyan acrobats pleading with her to come back and teach them more. Finally, after lots of thought, she decided to go back. This trip is what changed it all for her. What she did not realize was that she would be staying in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya, where most people live on less than $1 a day. While teaching, she met five teenage girls: Catherine, Anita, Irene, Leah and Hadijah. They called themselves the “Ghetto Girls.”

The Ghetto Girls ranged in age from 13 to 19 and were living in a small room made out of iron sheets with one mattress. Each and every day they traveled over two hours to come to yoga class. They said it made them feel clean, strong and happy. From here, a connection was born with Kenya, and with the amazing young people who were coming to class. After doing some research Paige found out that one of the root challenges that causes such abject poverty is youth unemployment. Over 70% of youth in Kenya are unemployed. She turned this challenge into our opportunity by forming Africa Yoga Project with Baron Baptiste. We now train girls and boys, like the Ghetto Girls, to teach yoga as a avenue to education, empowerment and employment.

The business idea
At 70% youth unemployment, this is no small challenge in Kenya, but we know that in the US over 36 million people practice yoga and spend over $16 million annually on classes, apparel and yoga related products. If we look beyond yoga, the global wellness industry is a $3.7 trillion market so there is huge growth potential in Kenya and across Africa. We are training global wellbeing leaders in and from Africa to lead the growth of the wellbeing industry on this continent. By participating in our program, youth become civic leaders and employable to build the wellbeing value chain.

Our growth since 2007 has been extraordinary. Over 6,000 people participate in more than 300 community yoga classes weekly in 80 locations. More than 200 young people, trained as teachers, are earning a living wage by teaching yoga to people who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

And all over the world, people like you are getting involved, ready to lead the change in their own communities. Join us!

My fitness paradise.

December 3, 2020 10:47 am

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4^{/ 5}

This is a yoga studio in Nairobi. It is located in diamond plaza .I was dragged here by a friend of mine to attend their free Saturday sessions that usually start from around 10am to 12pm. Honestly for an unfit person like me those 2 hours were the worst in my entire life.The different routines made me feel like my whole body was being stretched and my bones tugged in different directions. The worst part was that I was the only one . Every other person looked like they were so in their elements not even breaking a sweat while me on the other hand I was completely drenched. Despite that I still went back and my following visits weren’t as bad.The sessions brought so much wellness and the meditation really helped. They usually offer daily courses and sessions. These sessions are usually supervised by different modulators well versed in the area.They have an intro special package for 2000 shillings for your first month. They also charge a daily rate of 1000 shillings per drop in class.I know they have several other monthly packages but I don’t know the prices.For the Saturday community classes, it’s free of charge and you get to interact with so many people .The Studio also offers a free vegetarian lunch to everyone so that’s a plus. Definitely recommend to all health and fitness enthusiasts.

Africa Yoga Project

1 Review for Africa Yoga Project

Lynne Olonje

My fitness paradise.

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Africa Yoga Project

1 Review for Africa Yoga Project

Lynne Olonje

My fitness paradise.

Rate us and Write a Review

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