Around 40 learners from the greater Retreat area participated in the Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation Leadership Programme, which included meditation and yoga classes.
Mymoena Scholtz, founder of Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation in Vrygrond, said learning yoga and meditation can benefit one’s overall health.
“They (learners) grow up in difficult circumstances where they are faced with many challenges like gangsterism, violence, child abuse, drugs and alcohol. Obviously, this can cause a lot of stress as well as influence their mental health.
“When you meditate on a regular basis it can benefit both your well-being and overall health, because it is a way to relax and cope with daily stresses by refocusing on something calming.”
She added that it was important for students to learn self-care from an early age.
“It is important for our youth to also have or learn about self-care from at an early stage in order to cope with the daily life challenges and by offering this programme to them one could see how they enjoyed it and how their calm behaviour takes affect.”
Laura Mlnarik, a 23-year-old from Germany, is the facilitator of the programme and teaches Hatha yoga.
“Yoga and meditation focus on breathing and releases stress and anxiety.
“They can have a break from their busy and often challenging lives and can connect with their bodies in a helpful way.”
Mlnarik is studying social work and has been working at Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation for six months.
“I chose this organisation because I wanted to get some experience in another country.
“I liked the fact that I could work with people of all age groups and that I could have a positive impact on the lives of the people who have very difficult living conditions.”
She added that learners receive a structured programme through the school holidays. “You see how much fun the children are having; you see all the activities the children get to play as well as learning new things in South Africa.
“They get breakfast, a snack and a meal during and at the end of the programme so it’s good to know that there is a structured programme looking after them during the school holidays.”
