Yoga Teachers Training
From the Community, For the Community:
Training Teachers, Transforming the Camp
We believe that the power to heal a community lies within the community itself. That’s why we bring world-class yoga teacher training directly to Dzaleka.
The Challenge: A Luxury Out of Reach
For a refugee in Dzaleka, the dream of becoming a certified yoga instructor or teacher is often blocked by impossible barriers. Standard teacher training is expensive, a “luxury” far beyond the means of those surviving on limited aid. Refugees are legally restricted from leaving the camp, making it impossible to attend a training course elsewhere in Malawi or abroad. Many do not possess the necessary travel documents or passports required to enroll in international programs.
These aren’t just inconveniences; they are systemic barriers that lock people out of a profession that could bring them purpose, income, and the ability to heal others. Art for Hope recognized these challenges and knew we had to find a different way.
Our Solution: A Borderless Path to Certification
We decided that if our teachers couldn’t go to the training, we would bring the training to them. We built a bridge between Dzaleka refugee camp and the global yoga community to create a program that is accessible, rigorous, and deeply sustainable.
Since Fall 2022, in partnership with JP Centre Yoga, a Yoga Alliance registered school in Boston, USA, we have been cultivating leadership from within. This unique program trains both refugees and Malawians to become certified yoga and mindfulness teachers, empowering them to lead classes and share the profound benefits of wellness with their own communities.
It’s a powerful model of sustainability: refugees teaching refugees for the long-term health of the camp.
How the Program Works
A Hybrid Model for Excellence
We combine the reach of technology with the irreplaceable value of in-person connection to ensure our teachers receive a top-tier education.
Training Format
Online Classes
Theory and practice happen weekly, led by expert trainers from across the globe. Every week, our trainees connect with JP Centre Yoga cofounder Daniel Max via WhatsApp video call for live classes and mentorship. This ensures continuous development and direct access to experienced teachers, regardless of the distance.
In-Person Intensive
Theory and practice happen weekly, led by expert trainers from across the globe. Every week, our trainees connect with JP Centre Yoga cofounder Daniel Max via WhatsApp video call for live classes and mentorship. This ensures continuous development and direct access to experienced teachers, regardless of the distance.
Meal
Theory and practice happen weekly, led by expert trainers from across the globe. Every week, our trainees connect with JP Centre Yoga cofounder Daniel Max via WhatsApp video call for live classes and mentorship. This ensures continuous development and direct access to experienced teachers, regardless of the distance.
Key points
- August 2025: Our first 10-day intensive took place, bringing US-based trainers directly to the refugee community of Dzaleka.
- January 2026: A second intensive followed, reinforcing skills and deepening the practice.
These intensives focus on refining teaching skills in yoga and meditation, providing an experiential restorative journey through twice-daily yoga and twice-daily meditation. Our goal is to bring more teachers from the USA and other parts of the world to Dzaleka to share experiences and learn from one another.
The Impact
A Ripple Effect of Wellness
This program is about more than just creating yoga teachers. It’s about building a resilient, healthy community from the inside out
Teachers get monthly stipends
Graduates receive a holistic livelihood support package that ensures our dedicated yoga teachers can focus on serving their community without facing destitution wages for teaching, creating vital income in a place with no formal employment opportunities.
Community is healed
Our teachers now offer an average of 30 classes each week for children, adults, and individuals with special needs, reaching approximately 3,000 refugees monthly.
Leadership is Born: We are empowering individuals to become leaders, role models, and agents of healing in their own community.
We Invite you to
Get Involved
This program thrives because of a global community. Your support—whether through funding, materials, or your expertise—directly empowers these teachers and the thousands of lives they touch. Here’s how you can help:
Sponsor a Teacher's Stipend / Salary
Your monthly contribution provides a living wage for one of our dedicated teachers. This allows them to support their family while dedicating their time to serving the camp.
Fund a Professional Development Workshop
Do you have specific expertise in yoga therapy trauma-informedd teaching, anatomy, meditation, or other areas? We want to bring more trainers to Dzaleka refugee camp. Help us fund travel and resources for visiting experts to offer advanced workshops to our teachers.
Organize a Material Drive in Your Community
Our teachers and their students need mats, blocks, blankets, and straps. You can make a huge difference by organizing a collection drive in your local yoga studio, community center, or neighborhood. We can help provide a list of needed items and guidance on how to get them to us. Interested in organizing a drive?
Make a General Donation
Every contribution helps us buy nutritious food for our training meals, maintain our dedicated yoga studio, and purchase essential props.