Empowering Communities Through Holistic Healing: A Spotlight on AZAHAR Foundation
A transformative initiative is making waves in the lives of vulnerable youth and communities in Phnom Penh. Meet Sundas Waheed, the Executive Director of AZAHAR Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those in need through holistic approaches. With a focus on vocational training in yoga and dance, AZAHAR offers alternative career pathways that help underserved youth unlock their potential.
A Journey of Healing and Growth
Established in 2019, AZAHAR Foundation has its roots tracing back to 2007, when Yogeswari, a renowned Jivamukti Yoga teacher, began offering yoga classes at a local orphanage. The girls she mentored have blossomed into skilled yoga instructors, now leading classes and shaping the next generation. This journey reflects a dream to create a world where youth can heal from trauma, build leadership skills, and access meaningful career opportunities.
Sundas shares the urgency of their mission: “Cambodia’s youth still bear the weight of past conflicts, with trauma often passed down through generations. AZAHAR is dedicated to breaking this cycle, providing pathways to empowerment and prosperity.” With a comprehensive approach to healing that recognizes the importance of both physical and mental well-being, AZAHAR stands at the forefront of community empowerment.
A Holistic and Inclusive Approach
The strength of AZAHAR Foundation lies in its holistic methodology, which seamlessly blends personal healing with professional development. The vibrant yoga studio serves as a dynamic community hub, where trained instructors offer yoga classes that cater to a diverse global audience. This rich environment fosters cultural exchange and mutual growth, enriching the experience for everyone involved.
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AZAHAR also prioritizes inclusivity, offering free classes for the elderly and affordable options for all community members. “Our commitment to lowering barriers ensures that holistic wellness practices are accessible to everyone,” Sundas emphasizes. This inclusive model not only facilitates individual transformation but also strengthens community bonds, promoting social cohesion.
Investing in Community and Personal Growth
By participating in AZAHAR’s classes, individuals not only benefit personally but also contribute directly to the foundation’s mission. Each class attended supports ongoing programs that train new yoga instructors and provide healing practices to underserved communities. This unique approach combines trauma-informed care with vocational training, giving youth the chance to pursue career paths that were previously unavailable to them.
Sundas highlights the broader impact: “Your support helps create a ripple effect, where the benefits of holistic education and empowerment extend beyond the individual to society at large.” AZAHAR Foundation is not just about yoga; it’s about investing in resilience, well-being, and community development.
A Commitment to Community Transformation
AZAHAR Foundation’s influence extends throughout the community, providing alternative career pathways in yoga and dance while promoting healing and leadership development. By offering free and low-cost classes, especially to those affected by conflict, they lower barriers to participation and foster community cohesion. Every class taken at the studio directly supports the foundation’s mission, sustaining programs that create a positive change ripple effect.
A Space for Connection and Growth
Reflecting on the journey, Sundas expresses her admiration for Cambodia’s resilience: “AZAHAR Foundation’s evolution—from early yoga classes at an orphanage to our current operations—highlights the transformative power of holistic education and community support.” The studio has become more than just a place to practice yoga; it is a sanctuary where cultures converge, healing occurs, and communities strengthen.
By joining AZAHAR, individuals not only invest in their well-being but also contribute to a movement with a lasting societal impact. It’s this sense of purpose and connection that fuels Sundas’s passion for continuing this vital work in Cambodia.
Join the Movement
As AZAHAR Foundation continues to grow, it invites individuals from all walks of life to participate in its classes and contribute to its mission. Together, we can create a future where healing, empowerment, and community thrive. Explore the transformative power of yoga and dance at AZAHAR Foundation, and be a part of a movement that nurtures both personal and communal growth.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://yogaphnompenh.com/ |
 | +85577541975 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
