In 2019, I was invited to join the AZAHAR Foundation Rwanda Program as a yoga instructor. At that time, yoga was still an unfamiliar concept in Rwanda, and even more so within many communities where yoga was often considered a strange belief system. Introducing this new practice was quite challenging. We had to find creative ways to describe yoga in local terms, adapt our sessions to fit the cultural context, and work with very limited resources, often without mats to bring to every community we served across different regions, mostly outdoors in gardens.
Over time, AZAHAR Rwanda overcame these cultural and mindset barriers because of the benefits gained from the practices. Through partnerships with various organizations in Rwanda, AZAHAR Foundation has reached thousands of people since 2017. I have personally witnessed lives transform: people finding relief from mental health struggles, regaining emotional balance, strengthening social connections, and even experiencing improvements in conditions once thought untreatable, such as hypertension, asthma, and more. I’ve seen sleep patterns improve, people open up to share their painful stories, and elderly participants joyfully discover they can once again reach their own backs while bathing. Most importantly, I’ve seen hope return, a renewed love for life.
As a teacher and program Co-Coordinator, walking alongside these communities and hearing their stories of resilience has been deeply inspiring. It reminds me every day why this work matters. There is a profound “language of love” between these communities and AZAHAR Foundation’s founder, Yogeswari, during her annual visits, a love that transcends language barriers yet can be deeply felt through joy, hugs, smiles, dances, gratitude, and shared moments of connection.
I am humbled and grateful to every person who contributes to making this work possible and to ensuring AZAHAR Foundation continues to stand as a bridge of healing, connection, and hope.
