THE YOGA EQUITY PROJECT
The Yoga Equity Project seeks to make yoga more affordable, diverse, and inclusive. At JP Centre Yoga we believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial means.
To achieve this, we have implemented several initiatives, locally and internationally:
Local Initiatives
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OUR TIERED PRICING SYSTEM
We subsidize 15%-25% of our classes, workshops, and trainings for those with limited or unstable financial resources. We also offer an optional 50% discount to BIPOC practitioners as a form of reparations for communities that are underserved in our health care systems.
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BIPOC FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
We set aspiring BIPOC yoga teachers up for success by providing a full tuition scholarship to our 200 Hour Foundations Teacher Training program alongside a yearlong 1-on-1 mentorship with JPCY’s Teachers of Color to support them throughout training and after graduation.
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INCREASED ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP
We provide a full tuition scholarship for our 200 Hour Foundations Teacher Training to individuals interested in primarily teaching under-resourced populations - those who may not be able to normally afford or access yoga - in their communities.
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$6 AFFINITY GROUP CLASSES
Along with our weekly $6 community class that is open to all, we offer monthly affinity classes at our $6 community class rate - Yoga For Us: BIPOC Only Space (exclusive to the BIPOC community) and a monthly Queer and Trans Community Class (exclusive to the LGBTQA+ community).
International Initiative
JP Centre Yoga Offers Training to Aspiring Yoga Teachers in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi
Dzaleka was built in 1994 to house thousands of people escaping violence in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The camp was originally established to accommodate up to 12,000 refugees and is currently (as of May 2023) struggling to house more than 50,600 refugees. JP Centre Yoga is working closely with Donatien Fundi who sole handedly established yoga programing for adults and children within the camp. Together, along with Rene Fundi and Prosper Cyrile, we are developing teacher training curriculum, providing classes, and improving environmental conditions to support a yoga practice.
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TEACHER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
JP Centre Yoga hosts regular meetings and yoga classes for residents of the camp who are interested in teaching yoga within their communities. Classes are held online via WhatsApp. We also aspire to provide a monthly teaching salary as refugees are not allowed to work and depend on a modest UN stipend.
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INFRASTRUCTURE
JP Centre Yoga is raising funds to build toilets adjacent to the community building where yoga classes are held. There are currently no facilities anywhere in the nearby vicinity. Additional funds are designated toward purchasing ground covering for outdoor classes as well as yoga mats and props.
Make a Donation
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BIPOC FELLOWSHIP PROJECT
LOCAL IMPACT
Your donation allows aspiring Teachers of Color to gain the necessary skills and support to thrive in their teaching careers. By covering scholarships and personalized mentorship costs, you are helping promote an inclusive and diverse environment of Yoga in Greater Boston.
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DZALEKA REFUGEE YOGA PROJECT
INTERNATIONAL IMPACT
Your donation makes the practice of yoga possible for those who have experienced displacement, trauma, and currently struggle with a lack of basic resources. For these refugees, yoga can serve as a transformative tool for healing, empowerment, and resilience.
UPDATES FROM DZALEKA
Restrooms are in the process of being built (see videos)
Kid Yoga classes are taught in schools.
Adult Yoga classes are in session at the community center.
Yoga teacher development classes are in session.
