Babardee Samura was born and raised in Freetown. During the war, he lost his mother and, for various reasons, was forced to abandon his studies and live on the streets. Through practicing martial arts and music, he began to connect with people who helped him slowly escape his situation. In 2012, Babardee discovered yoga thanks to Tamba Fayia (T-Man), the first yoga teacher in Sierra Leone and a source of inspiration for our project. Bardee then became a certified yoga instructor himself.
Since then, he has taught yoga in various locations in the capital, and his main goal is to establish his organization, “The Freewill Project”, and create yoga programs for homeless youth in the Murray Town area, a central neighborhood in Freetown. Through these programs, he aims to help young people identify and manage stress, stay away from drugs, prostitution, and organized gangs, and ultimately live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Babardee’s Mantra:
“If you help one person, it will change their life forever, and that is huge.”
YOGA for street youth in freetown
babardee’s proposal
COMMUNITY YOGA CLASSES IN MURRAY TOWN - BIWEEKLY SESSIONS
project description
This proposal outlines a plan to offer biweekly community yoga classes for young people in Murray Town, with the aim of promoting physical health, mental well-being, and social connection. The sessions will be limited to a maximum of 30 participants, creating an inclusive space where people can benefit from the transformative practices of yoga and mindfulness.
OBJECTIVES
Improve the physical and mental health of young residents in Murray Town through accessible yoga practices.
Foster community connection and create a supportive environment for all participants.
Provide snacks and water to support participants' well-being during the sessions.
SESSIONS STRUCTURE AND COSTS
Space Rental
Estimated Cost: 300 SLL per session (approximately €11)
The instructor has identified two suitable locations within the community and has discussed these options with a community representative to ensure accessibility and comfort.Instructor Stipend
Cost: 700 SLL per session (approximately €26)
This stipend compensates the instructor for their preparation time, transportation costs, expertise, and commitment to providing quality instruction and creating a welcoming environment.Snacks for Participants
Estimated Cost: 250 SLL per session (approximately €9)
This includes water and a small snack (such as gari or bananas) for up to 30 participants, supporting hydration and nutrition during the session.
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST
Per Session: 1,250 SLL (approximately €46)
Monthly Total for Two Sessions: 2,500 SLL (approximately €104)
CONCLUSION
With just €104 a month, we can not only provide regular income for Babardee, supporting his family’s needs, but also open the door for dozens of young people in Freetown to discover the transformative power of yoga, fostering well-being, resilience, and hope for their future.
support bABARDEE’s work
Join Babardee in making a difference, bringing the transformative power of yoga to homeless youth in Freetown.
Help Babardee fund his organization by donating to sustain the activities he carries out or by creating your own fundraising events.
If you are an expert in yoga, project management, or have knowledge in social work, your guidance can be key in making his vision a reality.
Help Babardee grow his organization by sharing his work on your social networks or talking about his efforts with others.
