Laughter for Africa - Laughter in Communties

Community Laughter

One of the main objectives of Laughter for Africa is to spread the message and benefits of Laughter to all the people in South Africa! This is achieved to Social Laughter Clubs and Laughter Events in Communtities.

What is a Social Laughter Club?
Social Laughter Clubs is a place where you will laugh like you have never laughed before, leaving you refreshed and invigorated. You will do this for no reason at all, except the desire to improve your health and well-being.

Laughter Clubs are fully independent, not-for-profit, community based associations of people where all are welcome. Laughter Clubs meet on a regular basis, are non-religious, non-political, non-competitive, and laughing with others is a great way to build bridges and promote peace in the community. Become a Laughter Buddy ©and start a social laughter club in your community!

What happens in a Laughter Session?
A Laughter session consists of a series of simple and gentle exercises. While a lot of creative input is left to the person leading the session, all laughter clubs follow the same basic structure:

1. We chant, clap and create rhythm.
2. We breathe deeply.
3. We simulate laughter through simple exercises and gestures.
4. We reflect (meditate) and relax.

The first part of a typical laughter session lasts about 20-30 minutes. Its pace and content is adapted to suit the needs and requirements of the group participating.

How to Start a Social Laughter Club
Complete the basic Laughter Buddy© Training. Though there are no rules and regulations that oversee the conduct of Laughter Clubs, we do recommend basic guidelines and training for functioning. Laughter Clubs are non-political, non-religious, non-exploitive, non-competitive and non-threatening. Everybody is welcome!

What is Free?
Laughter Yoga Clubs are social clubs that are free for all everywhere in the world. Most clubs do not charge any donation/membership fee. Some do in order to cover the expenses of hand-outs, hall rental etc. There is nothing wrong with putting a donation box out to help cover whatever club expenses you may incur (e.g. photocopies, venue).

What is Fee Based?
Outside of the laughter clubs, any training/ coaching that is conducted by Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders or Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers for personal and business development are chargeable as per the skills, abilities and reputation of the teachers.

Laughter Buddy Training

Should you be serious about starting a Social Laughter Club, we strongly encourage you to attend either a Laughter Buddy (LB) or Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (CLYL) trainings. The wealth of practical and "hands-on" experience you get in such trainings is invaluable. Contact Us.

Social Laughter Club at a School in India

World Laughter Day Celebrations: 3 May 2009

Laughter for Africa Community Sessions

Cancer Association: Western Cape

Lucille Meyer, a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader from Laughter4Africa, conducted a one hour session for Managers and co-ordinators at the end of their learning and review session.

Rosendal Home - a Place of Safety

Rosendal Home is situated in Blue Downs, Western Cape, South Africa. It is a home and place of safety for abused children and children with drug dependency.

We started this Laughter Yoga Project on the 24 October 2007. This is the first Laughter Yoga Project in South Africa!

Scout Association: Western Cape

A Laughter Yoga session at the Scout Association, 2nd Somerset West group in the Western Cape.

VIP Laughter Seminar: Cape Town

Laughter for Africa conducted a VIP Laughter Seminar on the 1 December 2007 at Medi-Spa, Kloof Street, Cape Town.

Women's Refugee Centre - Durban

Martin did a laughter session with some children from the refugee centre in Durban. He was assisted by Sandra, a new Laughter Yoga Leader in Durban.

Updated: October 2009

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