In Khayelitsha’s Site B, 11-year-old Sisipho is growing up surrounded by challenges that many children in her community face.
“Girls in my community experience challenges like rape, abuse, and they are also pressured in alcohol and drugs,” she shares quietly.
Two years ago, Sisipho joined her school’s Yoga Club through Earthchild Project (ECP), and life began to shift in small but powerful ways.
“After doing yoga, I feel calm and relaxed,” she says. “From now on, I’m being the person I am today. I’m kind, friendly, confident, and also respectful.”
With the gentle guidance of her Earthchild Project facilitator, Anathi, who started practicing yoga with ECP when she was Sisipho’s age, Sisipho has learned how to stretch, breathe, and find stillness, both in her body and in her mind.
“Ms Anathi taught us different ways to stretch our bodies and also build a relationship with other people. Sometimes she tells us jokes. We also play games and laugh and have fun,” Sisipho explains.
For her, yoga has become a safe space to let go, to connect, and to feel joy.
“When you do yoga, you must relax your body, not be serious all the time,” she smiles.
This World Mental Health Day, Sisipho’s story is a gentle reminder of how inner peace can grow even in the most challenging environments.
Through yoga and mindfulness, Earthchild Project supports thousands of learners each week to find calm, connection, and confidence – nurturing mental well-being from the inside out.
💚 Help us continue bringing these life-changing programmes to more schools across South Africa.
