Off the Mat into the World (OTM): Seva Challenge - African Humanitarian Tour 2009 

The Seva Challenge: to raise $20,000 by December 15th 

Seva: The spiritual practice of selfless service; an offering to uplift others.  The combination of Karma Yoga (the yoga of action) and Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of worship inspired by divine love).

Why the Challenge: The OTM Seva Challenge was created to provide the opportunity for yogis to hone their leadership skills and engage in a powerful spiritual and practical experience in which to learn, grow, serve and participate in sacred activism.  

My motivation: The needs in Africa, Uganda and here at home are great.  OTM's vision is purposeful and powerful. OTM is committed to leaving a legacy to the populations that they serve and is firmly grounded in serving others from the heart while focusing on education, sustainability and empowerment.  I am honored to be part of an organization that is dedicated to improving the life of thousands across the ocean as well as supporting and empowering those here at home.  l have been drawn to participate in this Seva Challenge in the spirit of dharma: "to perform our duties for the good of all."  

Proceeds: A portion of the money raised by OTM participants remains in the U.S. to fund at-risk youth programs in inner-city schools: fostering self-worth, love, community and yoga.

OTM is in partnership with Ambassadors for Children and is also working with Shanti Uganda, Building Tomorrow, the New Hope School and Youth AIDS International to improve conditions and create a positive, sustainable impact in some of the poorest regions of Uganda.

African Humanitarian Tour: The majority of funds raised will support the African Humanitarian Tour.  OTM participants will travel to Uganda, where approximately 41 million children do not have access to an education, clean water or nutritional food. Donations will be applied to the specific organizations forementioned, in an effort to help alleviate the financial and health crises that exist in Uganda today!

Specifically and Collectively our Seva Goal

$150K to Shanti Uganda to build an eco birthing center (100% green building) with a sustainable garden that supports birthing education and training programs for women with HIV/AIDS, including a mid-wife training program.

$125K to Building Tomorrow to build a primary school, teacher housing, a community center and develop a permaculture farm on the school's property.  Funds purchase the land, construction materials and desks.  Over 25,000 hours of volunteer labor will be completed by community members, in addition to the OTM participants labor. Hundreds of children will receive the opportunity to receive an education, where before they had none.

$10K to PSI/YouthAIDS to support their work in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide through prevention and education programs: providing life-saving messages, products, services and care.

$10k to New Hope School to support orphans and to improve/update their existing facilities. Funds will provide new beds for the children and orphans living with HIV/AIDS (currently mattresses are urine soaked and each shared by 6-9 children of all ages).  Funds will also improve their water system, support educational programs and construct a new dorm room.  (Courtesy of OTM)

For additional details and information about: OTM, the founders: Hala Khouri, Suzanne Sterling and Seane Corn, their vision, the organizations that we are collaborating with, the projects that we will participate in and a more detailed breakdown of how donations will be used please visit: www.offthematintotheworld.org  

Working in Conjunction with
Building Tomorrow www.buildingtomorrow.org 
Shanti Uganda www.shantiuganda.org 
Youth Aids International www.youthaids.org
New Hope School (does not currently have a web site)