Manduka recently gifted yoga mats to the girls at the Daraja Academy in Kenya. Daraja is a boarding high school for girls from remote tribes and the slums of Nairobi. These are girls who would not be educated beyond eighth grade if it weren't for the Daraja Academy.

Through a very competitive process based on elementary school performance, need, and passion for learning, these girls have been given the opportunity to change their lives, their communities and their country.

The girls were so excited about each having her own special mat, as part of a two-week yoga-intensive program. In general, the girls were very open to learning yoga – one third of the girls enjoyed the relaxation and physical movement; one third related to the philosophy and call to honor ourselves and each other; and one third really absorbed the power of yoga to transform their lives. One girl stepped up to start a yoga club and lead her classmates in daily practice.

Despite being orphans, abused or forced to hard-labor from a very young age, the girls of Daraja school are proud, determined, and powerful young women who will bring change to Kenya. Daraja is a safe haven for them, where they can focus on themselves and their educations. Yoga was a great addition to their curriculum.

For more information or to become involved, please visit www.daraja-academy.com.