Aida Camp, is the Palestinian refugee camp established in the early 50s. With almost 70 years of history, its inhabitants come from different villages of the now-state of Israel, destroyed on the wars of 1948 and 1967. Generations of people have been born and raised in these refugee camps, many of them have never left them. The conditions of the Aida Camp schools have nothing to do with those of the Israeli schools. There are few resources, there are no specialized teachers or sufficient infrastructure. It is difficult for Aida Camp children to have healthy lifestyles or practice sports. Therefore, together with Murad, the director of the NGO Alrowwad Cultural, we set together this class and we filmed it by the wall constructed by Israel. And the children, appreciated it very much.
YOGA BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN
Experts indicate that after 4 years children are already prepared to practice yoga. At this age they have already achieved greater control over their body, which allows them to assume certain postures and understand the connection between movement and breathing.
– Increase flexibility, coordination and balance
Children tend to be very flexible, but it is important that they practice exercises that allow them to maintain that flexibility when they grow up, as well as encourage coordination and balance, rhythm and muscular strength.
-Promotes harmony
In Aida Camp, where tear gas is released by Israeli soldiers almost daily and where Palestinian children respond by throwing stones, it is important to promote values of peace and harmony.
– Channel energy and improves concentration
Yoga helps to channel energy and become aware of your body. In Aida Camp there are no facilities for sports and, fortunately, to practice yoga you need nothing more than your mat (sometimes not even that) and your breathing.
– Create healthy habits
In Aida Camp it is difficult to find seasonal fruits and vegetables. It is difficult to play sports and a challenge for children to become aware of the need for a healthy life. Through yoga we can sow a seed and educate them to try to eat in the healthiest way possible while caring for their body.
– Improves self-esteem
Yoga is an excellent practice for shy, embarrassing or adaptive children. Exercises and breaths build confidence in your abilities and raise your self-esteem.
– Stimulates self-control and encourages self-knowledge
Yoga exercises are very effective in stimulating self-control and to develop children’s strategies and teach them how to manage their emotions. In fact, yoga will help them to deal with frustration and anger.
If you would also like to volunteer in Lesvos, write to: info@yogasinfronteras.org
- Minimum stay 2-3 weeks
- Accommodation, transportation and food expenses paid by the volunteer
- It will be valued to have previous experience in volunteering or in social work.