A project to uplift and develop the Youth through the many benefits of Poi. In Modern times our children all miss out on essential development as youths. When we were younger we climbed trees and played outside we developed our minds and bodies. Today children are sitting at home playing video games and watching cartoons not learning these vital skills. On the other side of the scale we have the poverty stuck children that have nothing not even basic access to education. These children could also benefit greatly from poi and its benefits.

1) Community Development

2) Schools, Youth Groups and community centers 

3) Job Creation 

4) Benefits of Poi

1) Community Development

The mission of the Peace Poi Project is to get poi in to as many childrens hands as possible  The physical and mental benefits are so vast that all children should be able to benefit from it, not just a small minority that have access to the toy shop or to a structured Poi academy.

The amount of children in rural areas , 3rd world countries and impoverished lands that don't have any form of education to aid brain development is staggering. The poi techniques will enhance the development of a child’s brain and reconstruct the workings in an adult’s brain. We are currently researching the benefits to handicapped and mentally challanged people.

There is a huge demand for community development work. Fire Desire is currently training more people to be instructors in this art. These Peace instructors can then introduce poi to more of the youth who could get the most benefit, but have no access to poi or academy under their current circumstances.

The poi technique has stood the test of time, dating back to the practices of primitive people up till the present day, the technique has been developing through our history. 

2) Schools, Youth Groups and Community centers

It is the vision of the Peace Poi Project to introduce Poi and the practice of Poi to as many children as possible both nationally and internationally. Due to the many physical, mental, educational, personal and social benefits of Poi the project is ideally suited for community upliftment and development programs at schools, community centers and youth development organisations. 

Aunty Yo has pioneered the development of poi amongst younger children, focusing on the educational & developmental potential of this art form. Using local schools as a platform, Together Fire Desire and Aunty yo is striving to give those disadvantaged children who can most benefit from poi, access to learning this art. The amazing benefits of poi can accelerate children’s physical and mental development. 

The art of poi is introduced to the children through the school/organisation. The school will select teachers or volunteers to take part in the project. These teachers will be given introductory lessons which consist of 4 one hour lessons spread over a period of 2-4 weeks, Additional training material will also be provided to the teachers and they will have the full support of the Fire Desire Schools of Fire Arts 

- We have introduced and incorporated the use of Poi into Margate primary school’s drum majorettes squad, bringing something new and interesting to an age old school tradition. The visual effect of the poi makes them stand out as totally unique in drum majorette competitions and performances. We are in negotiation with several large schools with well established drum majorette squads to include poi in their routines for provincial and national levels.

3) Job Creation

Employment Opportunities in: Community Based Manufacturing Projects. Performance on a professional level. Teaching or running a poi school in your community.

4) The Developmental and Educational benefits of Poi training with the Youth.

Physical Development and Upliftment Benefits of POI

• Stretching and Muscle Toning

• Aerobic Upper Body Workout

• Strengthens Arms, Wrists and Fingers

• Develops Fine and Gross Motor Skills

• Improves Eye-Hand coordination

• Develops and Balances Left and Right Sides of the Body

• Develops Sense of Rhythm and Timing

 Mental Development and Upliftment Benefits of POI

• Develops Concentration and Focus

• Improves Reflexes and Reaction Time

• Teaches Precision and Accuracy

• Improves Communication between Left and Right Brain Hemispheres

 Medical Benefits of POI

• Improves Motor Coordination and Ability in the Mentally and Physically Disabled

• Aids Joint Flexibility in Childhood Arthritis

• Poi can be used for Exercise by paraplegics and the Wheelchair Bound

• Poi offers Rehabilitation for Stroke and Accident Victims who sustained Brain Damage

• Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy tool which targets Arms, Wrists and Finger Movement

• Encourages Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity

Personal and Social Development and Upliftment Benefits of POI

• Develops Self Confidence and Self-worth

• Learn to follow Instructions and implement procedures

• Learn and habituate the process of setting and achieving goals

• Helps develop a sense of purpose

• Develops ability to work in a team

• Develops social skills and interaction

• Learn Self Discipline