Yoga by the Young by Amira Daoud
Needah Abdelrahim rolls out her pink Yoga mat and stands in front of the female members and counselors of the Community Center as they mimic her position. “Deep breathe in….and out,” she says softly as she leads the group in a 20 minute Yoga class.
At ten years old, Needah holds the title of being the youngest teacher at the Mosque Foundation Community Center. “I bought the Yoga mat at Wal-Mart and it came with a free Yoga DVD. I started doing it with my older sisters at home because it’s good exercise and it relaxes me.”
Needah mentioned to one of the counselors how much she loves Yoga and taught her a few moves. When other members showed interest in this relaxing activity, the idea to start a Yoga class after the usual half hour workout session was only logical. Unanimously, Needah was voted as the teacher.
“Yoga is very calming after our exhausting workout class. Needah teaches us how to keep our balance and breathe,” said Lena Hassan, one of Needah’s students. “She’s a great teacher!”
Needah manages a class of 6 members and 2 counselors. “I love teaching Yoga, especially to the counselors because they always teach me and it’s cool to get a chance to teach them something I know. I like that I can be in charge. Plus, it’s fun to watch them fall when they lose their balance.”