Yoga Against Violence – Online yoga studio Yoogaia participates in Plan's campaign against violence in schools

In November, yogis around the world will take a stand against violence against girls with Yoogaia offering free participation to all of its yoga classes during one weekend, donating the money raised to Plan's campaign against violence at schools.

Violence is a huge problem especially in the world's poorest countries, where it often prevents girls going to school. Every day, as many as 337,000 girls are abused at school or on their way to school. To celebrate Children's Day, all classes are free during Yoogaia's Open House weekend 20.-22.11. For every participant, Yoogaia will donate 70 pence to Plan’s campaign against violence in schools.

”I hope that as many yogis as possible will take part in our classes to help girls from third world countries. Non-violence and peacefulness are important factors in yoga, so it feels natural to take part in the campaign. We want to take care of everyone's well-being, and Plan's work brings well-being where it is most necessary”, says Yoogaia's executive director Mikko Petäjä.

Plan's MyLaw campaign aims at not only giving concrete help to girls suffering from violence, but also giving publicity to an issue that is rarely talked about.

”Girls need a safe environment where they can live and go to school in peace. The more the issue is talked about, the stronger is the message we send to the world's decision-makers”, states Donata Pennanen from Plan International.

Children on the yoga mat

During the Open house weekend, there will be a lot of special classes in addition to Yoogaia's normal ones. On Sunday, parents can bring their children to do yoga with them.

”Why couldn't children get to know about yoga, now when we are campaigning for children's rights? Yoga helps children improve their motor skills and concentration in a fun way, and also gives a feeling of success and a positive mood”, Mikko Petäjä says.

Yoogaia's Open house weekend will be held during 20.-22.11. on the site yoogaia.com. There will be many different yoga classes over the weekend to celebrate this fact. You can take a "yoga for kiddies" class with your child on Sunday 22.11 at 3.30 pm UK time. Participating in classes will be free. For every participant, Yoogaia will donate a euro to Plan campaign against violence at schools.