Teacher Guide

Welcome to the My Little Zen Family!

My Little Zen is a yoga initiative that inspires global change through yoga and technology, working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The primary focus of My Little Zen is to equip developing communities with technology, enabling them to receive the gift of yoga and create a global community that flows for a cause.

The My Little Zen yoga philosophy combines a fusion of the powerful concept of Karma Yoga which centers around compassion and devoted, selfless action and Hatha Yoga which keeps the mind and body healthy and strong.

We encourage our teachers and ambassadors to become familiar with the My Little Zen vision and mission – see below for more detailed information around the initiative.

My Little Zen Slide Doc: https://mylittlezen.com/pages/slidedoc
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Our Process

Step 1: In-Country Visit

We work with in-country partners to identify developing communities in Africa who would benefit from yoga. We then travel to conduct in-person yoga classes and workshops.

Step 2: Equip & Connect

We equip our partner communities with a device and internet connection so that we can maintain sustainable access to yoga beyond our visit.

Step 3: Free Online Classes

Once our communities are connected with the device and internet, we use mindful technology to develop physical and mental wellness through free online yoga classes.

Step 4: Digital Literacy

We have partnered with Cisco, a global leader in technology, to bring free digital literacy courses. These offer pathways to industry certifications.

Employment

Our students gain valuable skills for enhanced employability. nnMy Little Zen envisions employing local talent, including yoga teachers and network engineers, to support future growth in the future creating a sustainable model.

We use yoga as a tool to connect developing African communities through technology and humanity. The profit from our events funds our work in Africa.

Why Yoga?

Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to improve both physical and mental health. Yoga promotes physical strength because it allows muscles to move in new ways. Yoga relieves stress and anxiety, giving a sense of accomplishment and promoting a stronger mindset.

SDG 4 - Quality education

The United Nations have called on all of its member states to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

Our Connecting Africa Project specifically targets the following SDGs:

SDG 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

SDG 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovationn

By working with My Little Zen, you are contributing to the above SDGs and making a positive impact on society.

Yoga Resources

We equip our collaborating communities with:

We collaborate with established yoga brands to provide resources such as yoga mats. Our next step will be to source yoga wear so that our communities can practise comfortably.

Equipping Communities (Essentials)

1 x tablet
1 x tablet case to protect the device
1 x tripod
1 x Bluetooth speaker
1 x 4G router
1 x local sim card
1 x solar powered charging pack for communities without electricity (if required)

Encourages Self-Love and Self-Care

Improves Memory and Attention Span

Improves Self-Control

Increases Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Promotes Mindfulness

Improves Flexibility, Balance and Posture

What are the benefits of yoga for children?

We work with schools across the globe to combine yoga with a cultural learning experience.

Join us in our mission to make a positive impact on the world. By purchasing our yoga program for your school, you'll not only empower your students with the benefits of yoga but also help provide internet connectivity to a community in Africa for an entire year.

Here's how it works:

Tailored Workshops: We begin by understanding your school's unique objectives and vision. Our team will design five yoga workshops that align with your curriculum and goals, focusing on key postures and alignment.

Global Connection: After completing the workshops, your students will have the opportunity to participate in a one-of-a-kind online experience. They will join students from Africa in a collaborative 'yoga flow' event, fostering cross-cultural understanding and connection.

Holistic Learning: Our program extends beyond yoga practice. Through our My Little Zen learning resources, learners explore new cultures and create meaningful cross-curricular links.

By choosing our yoga program, you contribute directly to bridging the digital divide in Africa. Together, we can uplift communities and inspire a generation of mindful individuals.

Contact us today to bring this transformative experience to your school and become part of a global movement for change.

Read through our slide doc and learn about our work and plans

Bridging communities, uniting hearts and enabling access through yoga and technology.

Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The future is technologically advanced but still deeply human.

We can shape a world that's both innovative and compassionate.

We believe in the transformative power of yoga and technology in developing communities.

Through the provision of technology and internet access provided by My Little Zen, we empower developing communities to participate in online yoga and digital literacy classes. This not only enhances their physical and mental well-being, but also contributes to future employment opportunities.

The My Little Zen Programme currently serves a diverse range of rural and inner-city communities across Tanzania and Kenya, including FGM safe houses, children's homes, orphanages and schools.

Ikondo School

Tunamkumbuka School

Ericharity Daycare

Nyamanoro Day Care

HOPE FGM Safehouse Butiama

HOPE FGM Safehouse Mugumu

Masanga ATFGM Safehouse

Havilla Children's Home

House of Mercy Children's Rescue Center

Bluebell School

Mlenzi Children’s Home

Happy House Children's Home

Children Impacted

2,400

1500

100

1800

2000

2,800

Community Spotlight

At least 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM, based on the latest available data from 31 countries, where the practice is concentrated.

Click to listen to how yoga is helping the girls at Hope

Hope for Girls and Women provides a safe environment for girls escaping female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence in Tanzania.

Girls often arrive at Hope’s safe houses late at night with just the clothes they have run away in. Those arriving on foot have had to navigate from remote, rural villages in the dark.

The yoga classes provided by My Little Zen encourages self-love and self-care whilst developing overall well-being.

To achieve our mission, we have developed an online cultural yoga experience specifically tailored for schools, catering to all age groups. By purchasing our yoga packages, schools not only gain access to a unique yoga experience and global skill swap, but also contribute to a greater cause. The funds generated from our sales are directly utilised to provide essential internet connectivity to the developing communities we work with.

Step 1: We work with in-country partners to identify developing communities across Africa that would benefit from yoga. We then travel to conduct in-person yoga classes and workshops.