Cross-National Yoga Training to Improve Social Skills, Concentration, and Health among Orphanage Children in Denpasar and Dili

I Wayan Gede Suacana (Department of Government Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Warmadewa, Denpasar)
Martinus Nahak Lino (Universidade da Paz, Dili, Timor-Leste)
I Wayan Sudana (Universitas Warmadewa)
I Nyoman Wiratmaja (Universitas Warmadewa)

Multidiciplinary Output Research for Actual and International Issue (Morfai Journal)
Vol. 6 No. 6 (2026): Multidiciplinary Output Research For Actual and International Issue

Orphanage children may experience psychosocial stress, limited opportunities for structured physical activity, and difficulties maintaining attention in communal living environments. This community engagement program aimed to strengthen social skills, learning concentration, and physical and emotional well-being through an integrated yoga intervention at Dharma Jati II Orphanage in Denpasar, Indonesia, and Santa Clara Orphanage in Dili, Timor-Leste. The program used a participatory and holistic approach combining initial assessment, health and wellness education, practical training, and follow-up evaluation. Core sessions integrated child-adapted yoga asana, pranayama breathing exercises, mindfulness, and loving-kindness meditation. Process evaluation considered attendance, enthusiasm, and performance of the practices, while pre- and post-activity questionnaires and caregiver observations were used to assess changes in focus, social interaction, emotional regulation, and physical complaints. The program was implemented on 7 May 2026 in Denpasar and 10 July 2026 in Dili. The progress evaluation indicated improved understanding of yoga as a universal wellness practice, successful acquisition of basic asana and breathing techniques, greater calmness and learning focus, reduced physical discomfort, and more cooperative and empathetic interactions among participating children. The activity also delivered yoga mats and practical guidance to support independent continuation by the partner institutions. These findings suggest that a culturally adaptable, non-sectarian yoga program can serve as a feasible community-based strategy to promote holistic well-being among children living in orphanage settings.