AME Viva - Yoga & Wellbeing for Slum Youth

We are excited to present the results from our recent social impact survey of the Ame Viva / Favela Yogi program. This survey highlights the transformative effects of our yoga and wellness classes on both individual participants and the broader Vidigal community. With your generous support, we have been able to provide essential wellness services that are fostering positive change in Vidigal for children and their parents.

Highlights:

• Total Respondents: 16
• Geographical Focus: Primarily residents of Vidigal Favela
• Gender Representation: 68.8% of respondents were female, reflecting our commitment to empowering women in the community.
• Age Range: Participants aged from 13 to 58, with a majority between 30-50 years old. 
• Note: Some respondents were young children's parents who could not fill out the form themselves

Impact on Well-being:

Physical Well-being Before Participation:

• 64% of respondents rated their physical well-being as low before joining the classes.
• 32% rated it as moderate.
• Only 12.6% reported a high level of physical well-being before participation.

Physical Well-being After Participation:

• 80% of participants now report a significant improvement in their physical well-being, particularly in fitness levels and body awareness.
• Common improvements cited include:
• Reduction in stress levels
• Improved sleep quality
• Greater physical mobility and flexibility

Emotional Well-being Before Participation:

• 48% of participants described their emotional well-being as moderate to low before attending classes.
• Some participants reported feelings of isolation, anxiety, and a lack of energy.

Emotional Well-being After Participation:

• 90% reported significant emotional improvement after joining Ame Viva classes.
• Key benefits included:
• Increased self-esteem
• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Greater overall happiness and mental balance

One participant noted, "After starting yoga, I feel much calmer and more connected to myself. I sleep better, and I am happier every day."

Community-Level Outcomes

Changes in the Vidigal Community:

• 74% of participants noticed positive changes in their community directly related to the program.
  Respondents noted:
• Greater involvement from youth and children, with many attending classes.
• A sense of gratitude and unity has grown within the community.
• Increasing interest from both local and international visitors.

One respondent shared, "I’ve seen more children getting involved and more outsiders coming to learn with us. It feels like a welcoming and intelligent community."

Group Bonding and Well-being:

• 89% of participants commented on a strengthened sense of community and shared responsibility among class attendees.
• Participants have expressed a desire to support and uplift one another, with many encouraging friends and family to join.

Testimonials from Participants:

• Regina, 58:
  "I had no energy or motivation before I joined. Now, I look forward to every class. I feel better about myself and my body!"
• Danielle, 32:
  "My physical well-being was low, and I struggled with stress. After joining, I feel stronger, more relaxed, and my sleep has improved drastically."
• Laura, 13:
  "I was tired and stressed all the time. Now I am more focused, and I even help my friends with what I’ve learned in class."

Improvements and Growth Opportunities:

To ensure the program continues to evolve and cater to the needs of the community, we’ve collected several valuable suggestions for improvement:

• More Meditation Classes: Many participants requested more dedicated meditation sessions, highlighting the mental and emotional benefits they gain from this practice.
• Expanded Class Times: Requests were made for more classes at different times to accommodate the growing interest in the program.
• Longer Classes: Some participants expressed interest in extending the duration of sessions to deepen their practice.

What’s Next?

Thanks to the overwhelming support from our GlobalGiving donors, Ame Viva / Favela Yogi continues to thrive. We plan to expand our program in the coming months by:

• Introducing new meditation-focused classes to meet the growing demand.
• Partnering with local schools to engage more youth and offer special wellness programs tailored to their needs.
• Holding a community wellness day, where residents can try different wellness activities for free and learn more about our ongoing classes.

Thank You!

Your contributions have directly impacted the lives of many women and families in Vidigal. Thanks to your support, we are fostering a culture of wellness, unity, and empowerment. As we move forward, we will continue to keep you updated on the positive changes in our community and the powerful stories that emerge from the Ame Viva / Favela Yogi program.

We could not have done this without your generosity. Thank you for believing in our mission and the power of wellness to change lives.

With Gratitude,
The Ame Viva / Favela Yogi Team and Favela Inc

Links:

• Visit our site!