Insights into YAMA Foundation's Mission and Community Impact
Background and Mission
Q: Please share the story behind the founding of YAMA Foundation? What inspired you to start this organisation?
A: YAMA Foundation was founded by Hersha and Shaman Chellaram. Inspired by their niece Talia, who was born with mitochondrial disease and thrived through yoga, art, and meditation, they recognised the transformative power of these practices. In 2016, they established YAMA to provide affordable and inclusive therapeutic services to underserved communities in Hong Kong.
Q: How has YAMA’s mission evolved since its establishment in 2016?
A: YAMA has grown from offering a single weekly session for children with special educational needs to supporting a diverse range of underserved groups, including seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals living in poverty. Through the expansion of its programmes and partnerships, YAMA has proudly achieved a 300% increase in impact within just five short years. Its mission is to make wellbeing a universal right by providing accessible and sustainable solutions, ensuring that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, income, or circumstance.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Q: Why is creating an accessible space so important to YAMA? And when does the YAMA Centre open?
A: Accessibility is central to YAMA’s mission of improving physical and mental wellbeing for everyone, regardless of income or ability. With 23% of Hong Kong’s population living in poverty (HK Commission on Poverty, 2023) and 61% facing mental health challenges (MindHK), creating inclusive environments is essential. We’re thrilled to announce that the new YAMA Centre will officially open on 15th September 2025 . This community-focused space is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a ramped entrance, adjustable lighting, disabled toilet, spacious corridors, lifts, and excellent transport links. By prioritising accessibility, YAMA provides a safe, empowering, and welcoming space for all.
Programmes and Offerings
Q: Can you describe the types of programmes available at the new YAMA Centre? How do they cater to underserved communities?
A: The YAMA Centre offers a wide range of programmes designed to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and accessibility for underserved communities. These include our flagship Yoga Therapy Programmes and Scholarships, providing personalised and subsidised yoga therapy for children and individuals with special educational needs to improve motor skills, body awareness, and confidence.
This fills a crucial gap in public health services, as thousands of families are still on long waiting lists for care. We also offer small group classes and online yoga options, such as Chair Yoga, Adaptive Yoga, Expressive Arts Therapy (Music, Art and Movement) and Sound Healing, all tailored to diverse abilities, fostering connection and participation. Expressive Arts Therapy programmes focus on self-expression and emotional resilience, while the “Here To Be” initiative supports mental health through yoga and mindfulness. With partnerships and pay-as-you-wish models, YAMA ensures these programmes are affordable and accessible to all.
Training and Education
Q: Tell us about your partnership with Hersha Yoga Training and the specialised yoga teacher training.
A: YAMA partners with Hersha Yoga Academy to deliver our Yoga Teacher Training programme. Hersha Yoga specialises in adaptive yoga training, promoting greater inclusion and accessibility within the yoga community. Hersha Chellaram is the only trainer in Hong Kong training yoga teachers to work with people with disabilities and special educational needs. This collaboration aligns with YAMA’s mission to promote inclusive wellbeing and trains more instructors to create accessible yoga spaces.
Q: How does YAMA foster a sense of community and empowerment among its beneficiaries?
A: YAMA creates a safe, welcoming space where beneficiaries can be themselves, fostering community and empowerment. Through its programmes and partnerships with NGOs like Watchdog Early Education Centre, The Zubin Foundation, and The Nesbitt Centre, YAMA supports marginalised groups in Hong Kong with meaningful opportunities. Taking a community-led approach, YAMA ensures beneficiaries shape its vision. Many team members, including teachers and ambassadors, are former beneficiaries who now give back. For instance, Alex, a beneficiary with Mosaic Down Syndrome, inspired his mother, Mirna, to join YAMA’s classes. Mirna later trained as a yoga instructor for children with special needs and became part of the YAMA team. By amplifying community voices and encouraging feedback, YAMA empowers individuals to lead change, driving sustainable and inclusive progress.
Research and Evidence
Q: How has YAMA utilised research to demonstrate the benefits of yoga therapy for mental and physical wellbeing?
A: Since 2021, YAMA’s Yoga Therapy Scholarship Scheme (YTSS) has conducted a multi-year study to demonstrate yoga therapy’s benefits. Independent assessments track long-term impacts, showing significant improvements in body awareness (83%), self-confidence (75%), and overall wellbeing and mood (100%). The research confirms yoga therapy as an effective alternative treatment for people with disabilities and special educational needs, highlighting its transformative potential.
Q: What findings from your research have surprised you the most?
A: The most surprising outcome of our yoga therapy programmes was the personal and social growth it inspired. Some children labeled “non-verbal” found their voice and even sang along with us. Parents shared stories of their children achieving things they never thought possible. These results are a true reflection of our philosophy and approach.
Engagement and Outreach
Q: How can individuals and organisations get involved with the YAMA Foundation?
A: YAMA is committed to raising awareness and promoting accessibility in wellbeing spaces—but we can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can help support our mission:
1. Become a YAMA GEM (Giving Every Month):
Join our GEM programme to provide consistent monthly support, ensuring no one is left behind. Your monthly gift allows us to offer trauma-sensitive yoga, expressive arts, and inclusive wellbeing services to those who need them most. By becoming a GEM, you:
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- Create a lasting impact by sustaining vital programmes
- Join a community of changemakers dedicated to wellbeing for all
- Receive regular updates to see how your contributions are making a difference.
Learn more here
2. Host a Workshop:
Invite YAMA to your workplace or school for a 90-minute workshop on accessibility. Learn about the barriers individuals with disabilities face in wellbeing spaces and brainstorm ways to foster more inclusive environments. Learn more here
3. Celebrate with Purpose:
Use Twopresents for your next special occasion. Guests can contribute to both a gift for you and a donation to YAMA, helping us expand our impact. Learn more here
Future Goals and Initiatives
Q: What are your future goals for the YAMA Foundation?
A: Our goal is to make wellbeing more inclusive and accessible for those who need it most. By expanding programmes, conducting research, and training teachers in accessible practices, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change. This new centre is key to scaling our efforts, reaching more people, and building an inclusive wellbeing community.
