The children and youth of New Orleans have witnessed a continuous stream of stressful change since Katrina. Added to the pressures of student life are pressures of coping with either a broken family or a family whose members are themselves too busy to be able to give the time they would ideally want to give to their children. The increased stress and pressure are visible in the form of growing instances of drug and alcohol abuse, break down of law and order, and most importantly, the absence of peace and joy within our children.  

In this environment of stress, the children of New Orleans face challenges beyond those faced by children in other states in the US. They not only have to continue to work hard to excel in academics and co-curricular activities, but have to learn to deal with the stressful situations in the family and the community. In order to better cope with this situation, the child needs tools that can help her maintaining physical and mental health, nurture value systems, strengthen inter-personal relationships and acquire a peace and focus of mind necessary to excel in school work and activities.  

Recognizing this reality, the Art of Living Foundation, together with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) is offering the All Round Training in Excellence (ARTExcel) program in Schools for students between 8-13 years, and the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES) for youth between 14-18 year in schools. A special YES college course is also being offered  for students 19 years and over.  

These programs and seminars offer practical tools, which include special breathing techniques as well as holistic relaxation techniques and processes that help young minds to effectively handle emotions and realize their potential. It helps enhance confidence, concentration, creativity and enthusiasm, leading to improved academic performance, better inter-personal relations and sustainable good health. 

These programs have been offered in colleges and schools all over the world. In Louisiana, these programs have been conducted or commenced in the Louisiana Children’s Museum and in Xavier’s University.

ARTExcel: All Round Training in Excellence

"Just information is not education. It is culturing our behavior, culturing our attitude and the ability to perceive things better. Perception, Observation and Expression - the three aspects of education have to be improved."

ART Excel provides practical tools that enable children to effectively handle stress & negative emotions (like fear, anger, frustration etc.) at a young age.

The program promotes human values through a variety of techniques that teach such important skills as: the art of making friends, the secret of popularity, personal responsibility and the value of service. It also nurtures their creativity- all in a supportive, yet challenging and fun atmosphere.

Conducted in 24 hours spread over 6 days, ARTExcel aims to:

• Develop in our children a vision that embraces all cultures, religions, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• Encompass all faiths and acknowledge a higher power that helps us go beyond perceived limitations.
• Establish a powerful and meaningful connection between one's self and the world.
• Increase mental focus and facilitate the learning process.
• Provide the leadership, training and skills, which enable youth to become positive role models for their peers.
• Create an awareness of the human values in our youth and provide opportunities for community service.
• Provide powerful techniques that alleviate stress and manage emotions.

"Before I came here I was really stressed out. Little things made me angry. I learned to get rid of the anger and free my mind from all the clutter. If I get angry I just do the breathing and it makes me feel better."

"I was nervous before and the course has helped me to relax and concentrate. I recommend it."

Click here for ART Excel courses in New Orleans

The Youth Empowerment Seminar
“Broadening the vision and deepening the roots."

YES! teaches teens time-tested tools to face the increasing social and academic pressures of adolescence effectively and efficiently. The techniques and skills taught help the teens deal with the demands of school and work, relationships, friends, parents and community life.

The course teaches techniques that release stress so the mind is more focused when one can make better decisions. Other processes, group activities, discussions and games let the teens explore how their mind works and how they interact with others. The course provides students with problem-solving strategies and leadership training, skills on how to release stress, manage negative emotions and advanced techniques for non-violent conflict resolution. It places a special emphasis on education that fosters human values, a sense of belonging, a broader vision and attitude of service toward others. Experiential processes are designed to help teens feel at ease in challenging situations and foster the increased confidence and inner strength needed to better handle criticism, peer pressure and rise above life’s challenges while keeping enthusiasm and a deep reverence for all life. Cultivating an attitude of service toward others and feeling empowered to effect positive social change is essential part of the human values education in the YES! course.

This program is unique, because it is not based on quick-fix solutions, theoretical concepts, or superficial success formulas - but rather on practical tools that can be immediately put to use for direct and tangible results.

The course is partly based on dynamic body exercises and innovative breathing techniques that release stresses, thereby heightening mental clarity and awareness. It also incorporates basic principles of effective living, emphasizing the essential human values for a more fulfilling and productive life. The tools and experiences gained are also essential for any future work environment.

Graduates of this program report the following Benefits:

• Reduced stress
• Ability to manage negative emotions
• Increased health & well-being
• Improved mental clarity & focus
• Greater creativity
• Improved self-esteem & confidence
• Greater sense of belonging and better inter-personal relationships

It helped me to breathe better and I haven't needed my asthma pump. I feel fortunate that I came to take this course because now I can practice yoga on my own and have the privilege of knowing how to calm myself whenever I get upset, etc."

"I enjoyed the course because I learned how to control my anger through meditation. I learned that by nature I am non-violent and that violence is not needed to survive. I also learned to socialize better and about five factors that will help me in my journey through life. Thanks!"

Click here for YES courses in New Orleans

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