Yoga for asylum seekers in Zagreb, Croatia

Yoga in Daily Life classes are now being offered regularly in Zagreb, Croatia, as part of a program providing psychological and social support to asylum seekers at the Ministry of the Interior's Reception Centre for refugees and foreigners under subsidiary protection of the Republic of Croatia, in cooperation with Croatian Red Cross.

The classes have been initiated by Alen Minić, a Yoga in Daily Life teacher with an MA in social welfare, who is also the coordinator for the integration of asylum seekers (Croatian: azylants) at the Centre for Social Welfare in Zagreb. 

For most participants this is their first contact with yoga. Many of them have endured extremely traumatic experiences of persecution and abuse in their own countries, but by practicing Yoga in Daily Life, they are strengthening both their mental and physical capacities and regaining a more positive attitude towards life. Their new found joy and optimism is evident from the smiles on their faces after each yoga class.