In April six students completed the Roots Tribe Yoga (RTY) program at my school. Visit my previous post about the RTY training and camp I attended last year, to learn more about this outstanding program for Gambian youth. The RTY program was one of the highlights of my PCV service, even though I was frustrated with all of the interruptions from the school calendar. I was hoping to be able to complete two RTY twelve week sessions during the school year, but now realize the Gambian attitude of completing things “slowly slowly” applies to RTY also. I will begin another RTY program next school year, with my counterpart Kumba Jobe, a teacher at the school.

The program was divided into three sections: ME – YOU – WE. The focus of the first four weeks was identifying personal strengths, and learning about what makes each person unique. The students were taught individual poses, and how to complete sequences like Sun Salutations. Each student received a folder with diagrams of the poses, words to our group song “Make New Friends”, and paper to be able to keep a journal during the RTY program. I suggested they practice at home, and consider sharing what they were learning with their family and friends. Meditation was introduced and different breathing techniques were taught. We finished each class with a five minute savasana. Taking time for themselves to rest and reflect is a new concept for them, but they all mastered savasana.

The second section – YOU – addressed how they can use their personal strengths to build strong relationships, and reach out to their communities. They were encouraged to look for areas that needed improvement, either in their physical environment or interpersonal relationships. Partner poses were introduced, and the importance of supporting each other was emphasized. Activities were held that gave them the opportunity to give and receive recognition for their positive attributes. It was gratifying watching them master yoga poses, offer each other support, and begin to see how RTY can be benefit other parts of their lives.

The third section – WE – was devoted to group work, both on the mat and in the community. Games were played that demonstrated how working together can achieve greater results. We discussed various project ideas that would benefit our school.  Trash is a big problem in The Gambia, and they wanted to do something about trash at the school. Changing attitudes about trash is a difficult concept here, because it is culturally appropriate to throw your trash on the ground. I personally believe that the government needs to develop programs to address the country wide trash situation with incentive programs, trash receptacles, and sanitary dump sites.

The students decorated large peanut storage bags with RTY symbols and environmental slogans.  While they were coloring, an interesting discussion took place about how small adjustments can add up to large improvements. I wanted to share with them that the RTY principles of improving self – ME,  supporting others – YOU, and accomplishing a common goal – WE, can produce long lasting changes in many areas of their lives.

I was pleased they chose a community service project that addressed one of my concerns for this beautiful country. Teaching students about pollution, climate change, and caring for the environment, is one of my favorite things to do. They only scratched the surface picking up trash around the school, but they set a good example for other students, and hopefully will begin to change how they deal with their trash. I’m a firm believer that if the youth are involved in fixing problems, there is potential for long term solutions.

I asked the graduates to write about what RTY meant to them, and will share our experiences with the RTY administration in America. The global RTY program was started by a RPCV from The Gambia, Philipa Shmippa, and I’m grateful for all of their support.

Student Testimonials

1. I learned how to do yoga poses. It helped me know how to control my anger. It educated me how to behave with my friends and family. – E.M., age 16
2. I learned about myself from yoga, who I am, and the things I am good at. I learned how to give and receive from people, and about health and fitness too. – S.Y., age 18
3. I enjoyed the fun, and yoga helped me develop strong muscles and also flexibility. If I do yoga I have a nice sleep and rest peacefully. – A.T., age 14
4.  Yoga helped me to know about body postures, and make my muscles strong. I had fun with my friends. It also taught how to help each other and our family. – F.C., age 14
5. I have learned in RTY how to be of help to my community in the ways I can. I have also learned a lot about emotion, and how to react to people. – U.I., age 12
6. If I give, I feel excited, especially when I give a smile or anything that will make the receiver happy. I am always happy and proud, if I give love and it is paid back. F.S., age 16

There was always outside interest about what we were doing during our classes, from both students and adults. Often students were looking through the windows during class, and as long as they were quiet and respectful, I just considered them to be potential future students. In addition to teaching students, I have held occasional Saturday morning classes for adults. Anytime I can share my love of yoga, meditation, and positive human interconnections, I consider it a PCV success.