By Sainabou Sambou
As International Yoga Day approaches on June 21, one Gambian woman is leading a quiet but powerful movement to make wellness accessible to ordinary citizens. Mai Kujabi, founder of Maya’s Yoga Studio in Senegambia, has transformed her personal battle with rheumatoid arthritis into a community initiative that is changing lives through yoga, breathing techniques, and mindful movement.
Kujabi established Maya’s Yoga Studio after identifying a critical gap in affordable wellness services, particularly for women and families across The Gambia. Drawing from her own healing journey, she created a space focused on both physical health and mental well-being in a country where such opportunities remain limited.
The initiative has not been without difficulties. In the studio’s early stages, Kujabi conducted classes in public parks and open spaces while working to shift public perceptions. Many viewed yoga as an activity reserved for foreigners or the wealthy, rather than a practical tool for everyday health.
“People initially saw it as something foreign or only for a select few,” Kujabi said. “But the positive changes participants experienced kept me going. They talk about sleeping better, less pain, and feeling healthier overall. That feedback makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Kujabi’s connection to yoga dates back to her childhood. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while in primary school, she suffered significant joint pain that restricted her daily activities. Traditional medical treatment helped, but yoga proved transformative, easing stiffness and managing pain through gentle movement and controlled breathing.
“The combination of yoga and proper medical care helped me regain my health,” she explained. “That experience became the driving force for sharing yoga with others. It showed me that healing is possible.”
Beyond physical recovery, yoga reshaped Kujabi’s approach to life and work. She gained a deeper sense of calm and learned better stress management. Professionally, it shifted her focus from conventional teaching to supporting holistic healing journeys.
With International Yoga Day just days away, Kujabi is using the global event to promote yoga’s relevance in the Gambian context. She stresses that wellness should not be seen as a luxury but as a basic right.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to care for their physical and mental health,” she said. “International Yoga Day helps make yoga more visible, accessible, and relatable to ordinary Gambians. Wellness is not only about hospital treatment – it’s about prevention and building healthy lifestyles.”
This year’s celebration at Maya’s Yoga Studio in Senegambia will mark the studio’s largest community event to date. Organizers expect a significant turnout, with open classes, workshops, and discussions involving community partners and media.
Kujabi described the occasion as a “homecoming,” representing years of groundwork that had finally yielded results.
“It feels like the seeds we planted are beginning to bear fruit,” she noted. “We’re moving the conversation beyond yoga to broader public health and wellness issues.”
Despite growing interest, challenges remain in promoting the practice. Misconceptions persist, with some associating yoga with religion or believing it is only suitable for young, flexible people. Limited access to facilities and equipment has led the studio to offer frequent free or low-cost sessions and outdoor classes.
Consistency poses another obstacle. While many enjoy initial classes, maintaining a regular practice proves difficult amid economic pressures and busy schedules involving work, family responsibilities, and other demands.
Kujabi believes yoga offers practical tools for coping with modern stresses. Daily pressures – financial worries, family obligations, and constant digital distractions – take a toll on mental health. Through breathing exercises and mindful movement, practitioners can build resilience.
A standout story that motivates her involves Awa, a market worker who joined classes after years of heavy lifting and chronic back pain. Awa’s initial goal was simple: to stand without discomfort.
“After several months of gentle practice, Awa returned standing noticeably straighter,” Kujabi recalled. “She proudly shared that she could carry her grandchild without pain for the first time in years. That’s why I do this. It’s not about perfect poses. It’s about giving people their life back.”
Kujabi’s inclusive message aims to break down barriers: “If a person can breathe, they can practice yoga.” She emphasizes that the practice is adaptable for all ages, fitness levels, and physical abilities.
Her long-term vision extends well beyond the studio. Kujabi hopes to see yoga and wellness programs integrated into schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities nationwide. She envisions a future where stress management, movement, and mindful breathing complement traditional healthcare approaches.
“Maya’s Yoga Studio is just one seed,” she said. “I want a whole forest of wellness to grow here in The Gambia.”
As the country prepares for International Yoga Day, Kujabi’s work highlights a growing recognition of preventive health measures. Participants at the upcoming event are expected to leave feeling calmer, lighter, and more connected – with many taking home simple practices like daily breathing or stretching that can deliver lasting benefits.
In a nation facing various health and economic challenges, initiatives like Maya’s Yoga Studio demonstrate how personal determination can spark wider community transformation. What began as one woman’s journey from pain to purpose is now inspiring a movement towards healthier, more resilient lives across The Gambia.
