CHITUNGWIZA, Zimbabwe (AP) — Just before dawn on a Saturday, a small group has gathered at Socialite Bar on the outskirts of Zimbabwe’s capital. Instead of nursing hangovers, they sit in meditative poses with eyes closed on the bare floor. This unlikely setting is hosting a yoga class in Chitungwiza, a low-income town 30 kilometers (18 miles) outside Harare, where the practice is rare and mostly found in affluent suburbs.
Actions Winya, a yoga instructor, initiated this unconventional yoga class after witnessing the toll that economic hardships and social pressures were taking on the mental well-being of his community. Winya, who typically teaches in wealthier areas charging between $30 and $100 per month, recognized the need for mental wellness support in the township.
Since 2023, Winya has been offering free weekend classes to those most affected by Zimbabwe’s economic challenges. These sessions have provided a source of relief for individuals facing various difficulties, from drug abuse to poverty. With a growing societal crisis exacerbated by a lack of public health services and therapists, yoga has emerged as a tool for addressing these issues.
In a country where many struggle to make ends meet through informal employment, the cost of traditional yoga classes is prohibitive. By bringing yoga to the people of Chitungwiza, Winya aims to offer a much-needed outlet for stress relief and mental clarity.
Participants in the classes, held in the beer tavern, embrace the practice with determination despite the lack of mats or a formal studio setting. For individuals like John Mahwaya, a 47-year-old father burdened by familial responsibilities, yoga has been transformative in alleviating stress and promoting inner peace.
The benefits of yoga extend beyond physical fitness, especially in a society where mental health is often neglected. Participants like Edinah Makosa, a 24-year-old who struggled with depression, have found renewed hope and positivity through the practice. Yoga has empowered her to start a small business and prioritize her well-being over relationship stress.
As the participants move through poses amidst the sounds of township life, the makeshift yoga class serves as a beacon of resilience and healing in a community facing numerous challenges. Though lacking proper facilities, the spirit of unity and self-care shines through in these sessions, offering a glimpse of the transformative power of yoga in unexpected places.
“‘We need to promote yoga in communities because everyone has a mind,’ Mahwaya emphasized, highlighting the importance of mental fitness for all individuals, regardless of their location,” Winya remarked. For further insights on Africa and development, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse. Financial support for the Associated Press’ global health and development coverage in Africa is provided by the Gates Foundation. The AP is accountable for all content. Explore AP’s guidelines for collaborating with philanthropic organizations, a roster of supporters, and funded coverage areas at AP.org.”
