MindLeaps

MindLeaps uses dance to develop the cognitive skills and social-emotional learning of at-risk youth to ensure that they can succeed in formal education.

06/05/2026

Randy Haykin, Founder of The Gratitude Network, visited MindLeaps NYC Program last week. Randy started The Gratitude Network after serving as the founding Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Yahoo and working with 120 early and mid-stage companies as an investor and advisor. Randy’s now on The Journey of Gratitude, showcasing social entrepreneurs’ work around the world. Learn more at https://gratitude-network.org/journey/

05/26/2026

🌍✨ Happy Africa Day! ✨🌍
💜💚 Celebrate. Empower. Build. A Stronger Africa Together. 💚💜

Africa is rhythm, resilience, and radiant energy — home to 1.4 billion people and over 2,000 languages. 🌱
By 2050, 1 in 4 people in the world will be African.

At MindLeaps, we see the continent’s heartbeat through dance, education, and community. We’re excited to be working with 2,600 young people who are motivated to change their lives for the better.

Let’s keep moving forward — investing in youth, empowering communities, and celebrating the beauty of Africa today and every day. 💜💚

05/18/2026

✨Meet Our Team: Salama in Rwanda ✨💜💚

In 2016, Salama Numukobwa joined MindLeaps Rwanda as a volunteer, bringing with her powerful lived experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to her community.

As a 56-year-old mother of three and a survivor of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Salama was looking for ways that she could contribute to rebuilding her community. At MindLeaps, she leveraged the strong relationships she held with mothers and her understanding of the challenges young people face in Nyamirambo. After just one year of volunteerism, MindLeaps hired her as our Community Facilitator, creating a whole new staff position for her!

💬 “As someone who experienced the tragedies that happened in our country, I feel proud to contribute to its recovery and to the development of our community,” says Salama.

Today, Salama plays a key role in shaping the lives of over 370 parents through our Family Strengthening Program in Rwanda. From leading Self-Help Groups to supporting women who are starting small businesses, she is helping families grow stronger—financially and emotionally.

05/15/2026

✨ Join Us at the Dance Parade NYC! 💜💚

IT'S HAPPENING TOMORROW!

We’re excited to invite you to a vibrant and inspiring moment with the MindLeaps NYC Program in Manhattan!

On Saturday, May 16th, our amazing students will take part in the annual Dance Parade New York, celebrating the diversity of dance and cultures across the city.

💃 Our students will be dancing ON A FLOAT as it moves through the city—sharing their energy, creativity, and joy with the public.
🎭 They will also take the stage for a special 3-minute performance at DanceFest in Tompkins Square Park!

🗓️ Schedule:
🕑 2:05 PM – MindLeaps float departs from 6th Avenue & 17th Street
(Parade lasts about 1 hour, including a short performance at the Grand Stand)
🕔 5:20 – 5:30 PM – Live performance at the Community Stage, Tompkins Square Park

🎉 This is a free event, and we would love for you to come out and support our students and families as they showcase the power of movement and learning.

Let’s celebrate culture, community, and the impact of dance—together! 💜💚

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development Dance Parade New York

04/29/2026

TODAY is International Dance Day! At MindLeaps, we can't think of a better choice of a theme for a global holiday...Dance is something that inevitably unites us, removing language, religious, political and class divisions. When you look at the 4 dance movements in these photos, they could truly be done by anyone, anywhere in the world...including YOU! Take a moment to celebrate the power of dance - and do your favorite step!

International Dance Day!

04/14/2026

MindLeaps is thrilled to be shortlisted for the 2026 Laureus Sport for Good Award. Every year, Laureus recognizes the most outstanding talent in sports around the world. The Award highlights organizations that use the power of sport to advance social issues, ranging from education to sustainable livelihoods and equality.

In this short video, MindLeaps youth in Kigali, Rwanda, share how sport and dance is changing their lives and their futures.

04/07/2026

Today, we mark the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This is a moment to reflect on both the depths of human cruelty and the extraordinary capacity for resilience, reconciliation, and renewal.

Rwanda stands as a powerful example to the world of what is possible when a nation chooses unity and peace in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. Its journey reminds us that even in the face of profound loss, healing and rebuilding are within reach.

At a time when our world seems to be increasingly divided and violent, let’s take a moment to commemorate the 1 million lives lost in Rwanda and learn from our fellow human beings that a path towards peace is possible.

Learn more Kwibuka Rwanda

03/19/2026

✨ You’re Invited: A Night with MindLeaps ✨💜💚

Join us for a free evening of connection, conversation, and inspiration at our upcoming MindLeaps event in New York City!

📅 April 9, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Manhattan (307 West 38th Street)

The evening will feature:
🍸 A welcoming cocktail reception
🎤 An engaging panel discussion with speakers connected to different MindLeaps programs from Guinea and Rwanda
💃 Interactive exercises exploring movement and social-emotional learning development, giving you a glimpse into the MindLeaps methodology

🎟️ This is a free event, but space is limited — RSVP is required.
🗓️ RSVP deadline: March 26th

Email [email protected] to receive RSVP link

Come connect with the MindLeaps community and learn more about how our programs support young people around the world. 💜💚

03/18/2026

How do children get ready to enter formal education? In Guinea, MindLeaps works with children who have never gone to school or who dropped out for an extended period of time. Through our "Catch-Up Program", students study intensively at MindLeaps for one year to learn the basics and then are sponsored to enroll in school. Check out some of their preparations!

Address

New York, NY

Telephone

+16469021295

Website

http://www.mindleaps.org/

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