The class is his own creation – he is the founder of Yoga Kids Inc. of New Bedford, and his goals are much more expansive than the name of his organization might indicate.
Donahue was invited by the National Park Service to “entertain” children while their parents participated in South Coast Hospital’s Healthy Meals Program...
The children are much more than “entertained” by Donahue. His approach is more than “just” yoga. Each child, as she is led from pose to pose, hears Donahue’s wisdom about life, a little of his experiences of his own inner city childhood, and the importance of keeping a healthy body and choosing foods wisely.
Mostly, amazingly, he empowers the kids to begin taking responsibility for their own health, their own moods, and their own feelings, even at a very young age.
And although the classes Donahue teaches are generally small, he is making a big impact in the region; the organization currently serves over 300 New Bedford Elementary school children each week.
According to the mission of Yoga Kids Inc, in Donahue’s classes, children are taught to:
-Manage nervousness and anxiety
-Express anger and frustration in healthy, acceptable ways
-Feel empowered to resist negative peer-pressure
-Gain knowledge of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol
-Build confidence and positive self-esteem
“I always knew that I wanted to work with kids,” but not just any kids; Donahue seeks out the toughest ones, the ones who seem the most complacent, defensive, and angry.
read the entire story in the upcoming July issue of South Coast Insider
