Off the Mat (OTM), a US based organization using the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change, recently donated $40,000 for a senior library at Christel House South Africa (CHSA). The school, started by Christel DeHaan, which educates and empowers disadvantaged children, hosted the official inauguration of the newly resourced library on Feb. 16. Twenty-three OTM members joined CHSA for the celebration.

CHSA’s Principal, Ronald Fortune presented a donor’s plaque the group of OTM “‘social champions” and included them in the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the school’s library.

Seane Corn, an internationally celebrated yoga teacher and one of the founding members of OTM, said they believed CHSA was the perfect fit for them. “Not only is the school providing excellent education to hundreds of children who come from some of the most poverty stricken areas in Cape Town, but they are creating sustainable change in many communities through their unique model of education,” she said.

According to Corn, each OTM member spent a full year raising awareness and funds for CHSA. Inspired by what Christel House was achieving, they each raised a significant sum of money by selling products and hosting events. While visiting CHSA, the group covered and catalogued books in the library. “I believe that CHSA is making an enormous and lasting difference in solving one of the most critical problems in South Africa. I can’t describe how proud we are, even more so now that we have seen the school, met the inspiring teachers and staff and interacted with the wonderfully natured learners, that we have established this partnership,” she said.

Director of OTM, Suzanne Sterling, commented that this was indeed a partnership, adding that their involvement would continue. “We are friends and fans of this school for life and will be looking for new creative ways to assist the school in their good work for many years to come,” she said.