During the school year that has just ended, Kumar Kumari Yantra Yoga programs for children were once again offered in various elementary schools across the Amiata municipalities as part of the Local Educational Projects (PEZ), funded by the Region of Tuscany and aimed at promoting educational inclusion and student well-being.

These activities are part of a program that is now well-established in the area. Kumar Kumari courses have in fact been offered for several years in Amiata’s elementary schools: initially thanks to projects carried out in collaboration between ASIA and Merigar, which saw Dina and Natasha Priymak involved in launching and spreading this educational experience in schools. Today, that program continues within the PEZ, through which numerous schools choose to include this initiative among their activities dedicated to inclusion.

Over the course of the year, the programs were implemented in the municipalities of Abbadia San Salvatore, Piancastagnaio, Radicofani, Castiglione d’Orcia, and Santa Fiora, with the involvement of teachers Dina Priymak, Sara Valecchi, Cristina Conticelli, Sara Magnelli, and Letizia Pizzetti.

In the various schools, the project was adapted to the needs of the individual classes. In some cases, the activity focused primarily on the practice of Kumar Kumari; in others, however, the yoga sessions were complemented by expressive and creative workshops.

The yoga sessions and creative workshops integrated naturally.


Through movement, play, and moments of sharing, the children had the opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions. The workshops represented a natural continuation of this journey.

A common element across all activities was the use of play as an educational tool. The exercises, creative activities, and opportunities for discussion were presented in an engaging and fun way, creating a welcoming space where children could experiment, express themselves, listen to their inner selves, and connect with others.

It is important to emphasize that working in schools is not always easy. Class groups are often heterogeneous, with students who exhibit attention difficulties, hyperactivity, or relational challenges. In these contexts, it is not always easy to guide the proposed activities or, at times, to create moments of full listening and shared silence. Managing group dynamics requires flexibility, adaptability, and a constant adjustment of activities based on the children’s responses.

In this sense, the role of classroom teachers has been fundamental: their presence and support have been a decisive factor in managing the class groups and ensuring the success of the programs, allowing for the maintenance of a functional and welcoming educational environment even in the most complex situations.

The hope is that this program has left a mark on the children—even a subtle but significant one—that will stay with them over time.

Letizia Pizzetti


Upcoming Kumar Kumari Teacher Training at Merigar

A Teacher Training dedicated to Kumar Kumari Yantra Yoga, a yoga method for children created by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, is scheduled to take place in Merigar. What makes Kumar Kumari unique is its combination of movement with breathing through the use of 10 sacred syllables or sounds: OM, A, HUM, ‘A, A, HA, SHA, SA, MA, and HAM.


The training program will take place over two weekends, with an in-person session first and an online session second, and will also include review sessions between the two sessions.

It will be held in person in Merigar from August 29 to 30, and online from September 11 to 13; review sessions will be held online between the two weekends. The course will be led by Laura Evangelisit with contributions from many Kumar Kumari teachers.

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