All healing begins with us. We know that we must heal ourselves first to be able to be of true service to others. Our projects are created with this in mind, from small scale missions to projects with large worldwide impact. We trust in the ripple effect.
Reports on Aruba show that several limitations to progress in the lives of children and women exist. These limitations have many causes that stem from structural, economic and social problems.
Domestic violence in the home affects children, adolescents and women. According to reports from the Youth Telephone Line, about 1 of every 10 calls made by children in the last three years were related to violence. The cases Bureau Sostenemi saw between 2007 and 2010 were physical, mental and emotional neglect, sexual abuse and domestic violence. While sexual abuse is punishable by law, but difficult to prove, punishment is not strict and the maximum penalty of 8 years is not applied.
We are raising funds in general to support the established organizations on the island of Aruba, such as Bureau Sostenemi, as these organizations do not have the capacity to accept international donations. If you can spare any funds, please consider donating to helping the women and children in Aruba.
Ongoing
To raise funds for women and children in Aruba to be donated to established organizations on the island.
Aruba
$ 2.000
We are sad to say there are many children living in orphanages in Aruba. Their situations are all based on abandonment and traumatic backgrounds. While the staff is doing an incredible job, they are overworked and underpaid. They have reached out to us in need of support and it is our aim to create a more peaceful environment for the children.
The Yoga Girl® Foundation is providing children’s yoga for the children who live in orphanages every weekend. We work with local teachers fluent in Papiamento (the native language), and all the yoga mats and props are provided. This project will start in October 2019 and cover the full school year until the summer of 2020, with one class per week. The first classes at Imeldahof orphanage have been held by our amazing teacher Shanti.
The cost of one class for ten children is 25 USD and we aim to provide classes 50 weeks per year at two orphanages, Imeldahof and Orthopedagogisch Centrum.
October 2019
Weekly yoga classes for the children at various orphanages in Aruba
Aruba
$2500 USD
(Project paused due to COVID)
The situation in Aruba demands our urgent support. In short of a week’s time in April 2019, three children aged 2, 3 and 6 were taken into the urgent care in the Aruban hospital. All three had been sexually abused, suffering severe and life threatening injuries. This happened recently, but it wasn’t an isolated incident. This happens every week.
The infrastructure in Aruba is desperately missing a place of protection for abused children. The “normal” procedure brings them to up to 22 different locations, from hospitals, police stations and child protections services, causing them to be re-traumatized, again and again. But now, the Yoga Girl Foundation is here to catch them… and hold onto them with all our hearts.
A Family Justice Center is a multi-disciplinary center where everyone works together in the best interest of the child. The police, doctors, nurses, child psychologists and government agencies all work together under one roof in an organized child-friendly setting.
Backed by the Ministry of Public Health, Youth Care Organizations, Social Affairs and Justice, the Yoga Girl Foundation is working hard to create a safe space for abused children where everything can happen under one roof. One interview. One designated and loving caretaker to be there for each child. One place, that is warm and cozy and feels like home. The Yoga Girl Foundation will hold the accountability to make sure every child is seen, heard and supported.
Winter 2019
A center for abused children to receive treatment and justice to enable their healing
Aruba
$500,000 USD
We have several sponsor opportunities, contact us!
“She’s a church, she’s a preacher” are the lyrics of the breathtaking debut song from the artist After Eden. In this unique collaboration, our founder Rachel ‘Yoga Girl’ joins in the music video to symbolize the modern preacher and help women and children in need.
Through this collaboration, 10% of all royalties are donated to the Yoga Girl® Foundation. The more you enjoy the music, the more good you contribute to the world! Add the song to your playlists, share the Spotify link with your friends and enjoy the beautiful video on YouTube. At the same time, you will be helping those in need.
The impact of trauma experienced in early early childhood is deep. The Swedish health care system is only able to provide specialized therapy to a minority of traumatized children. The lack of trained therapists is extensive and methods available for treatment are mostly focused on older children and teenagers, even though it is well known that the impact of trauma in early childhood is deep.
Children exposed to violence, sexual abuse, neglect and other traumatic events are at high risk for adverse consequences on health and development. Young children are most vulnerable due to the impact of toxic stress on brain development during the early years.
The Ericastiftelsen facility in Stockholm is a ninety year old established location specialized in psychological treatment for children, and in particular, trauma treatment for children 0-6 years of age. We appreciate your help to support their work in healing young children exposed to severe violence and abuse.
TBD
Trauma treatment for children aged 0-6
Sweden
$ 30,000
($1500 will help one young child heal)
We have several sponsor opportunities, contact us!
(Project paused due to COVID)
Our first #givingtuesday fundraising yoga event 2019 was a success!
In less than 3 weeks time, we engaged 35 studios in 17 countries to participate and arrange a class on December 3rd. We look forward to expand this for 2020, and we welcome you as studio to join as soon as we open up for registration in January 2020. We know that some studios plan the whole year early, and we don’t want to miss the oppurtunity to team up with you.
You can read more about "#givingtuesday 2019 on the link below, where you also see all praticipating studios.
If you want to host donation based classes throughout the year, we welcome your help with open arms. Just click on this link here to learn more.
December 3, 2020
Fundraising yoga classes to support our mission
Global
$10 000 USD
(Project paused due to COVID)
We know that yoga is not available to everyone, as we live in a world of discrimination and inequality. We have established the Yoga Girl® Scholarship Program to help create a world where everyone can reach their dreams, without exclusion due to systemic disadvantage. In order to fulfil our mission and help the world heal, we offer scholarships to yoga teacher trainings, yoga memberships and retreats all over the world for people in need of support and healing.
Throughout the year 2020, the Yoga Girl® Foundation will gather partners for our scholarship program. Do you want to join us in our effort in making the world more equitable? We welcome you to donate a spot in a training or retreat, a membership or any other service that would fit our program.
2021
Yoga scholarships and equality programs for women in need of support
International
