Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association Empowers Disabled Poets Through Voices of Resilience Workshop

Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association recently hosted a transformative one-day workshop under its Voices of Resilience anthology project, bringing together poets with and without disabilities in a groundbreaking celebration of creativity, empowerment and inclusivity.

The workshop, which took place with the support of the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the European Union, provided a dynamic platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their poetic talents, share their experiences and build creative confidence. Designed as a participatory event, the workshop created a space where all voices were heard and valued, reinforcing the importance of equal representation in the arts.

The Voices of Resilience project aims to highlight the inner strength and creative power of artists with disabilities. Through this initiative, Hodzeko is championing a message of empowerment, using poetry as a tool for personal expression and social change. By bringing together poets of diverse backgrounds and abilities, the workshop encouraged mutual learning, collaboration and the dismantling of social barriers.

Funded through the CreativeACTIONs 2 programme, the Culture Fund and the European Union have been instrumental in supporting this effort to enrich Zimbabwe’s cultural industries. Their backing allowed Hodzeko to deliver a high-impact programme that nurtures talent and celebrates diversity within the arts sector.

Hodzeko executive director Dumisani Ndlovu described the workshop as a “triumphant debut” for the Voices of Resilience initiative, noting that the participatory approach helped foster a deeply impactful and inclusive atmosphere. He expressed gratitude to partners, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Midlands leadership, for their support in bringing the event to life.

The workshop culminated in powerful performances and heartfelt testimonials from participants. Poets such as Maria Sibanda and Miriro Mutasa expressed their gratitude, describing the event as both educational and inspirational. Many highlighted how the experience taught them valuable writing skills and gave them a renewed sense of purpose and creative direction.

Board chairperson Mavis Koslek lauded the initiative and shared her excitement about upcoming projects, including a Shona-language anthology and a Braille edition that will further extend the reach of the initiative to visually impaired artists and readers. She applauded the enthusiastic participation and creative energy that made the day so memorable.

The event served not only as a celebration of talent but also as a call to action—highlighting the urgent need for supportive spaces where people with disabilities can thrive artistically. It demonstrated the immense potential of Zimbabwe’s often-overlooked creative voices and the critical role arts can play in driving social progress.

Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association continues to be a beacon of inclusion, showing how the fusion of culture, community and compassion can reshape narratives and uplift marginalised groups. The Voices of Resilience workshop stands as a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring strength of the human spirit.