Midlands Arts Group Unveils Project: Empowering Poets With Disabilities
The Midlands-based arts organization Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association (HACA) has initiated a project aimed at highlighting the poetry created by individuals with disabilities.
Dumisani Ndlovu, who serves as the HACA executive director, stated that this program was designed to foster inclusivity and representation within literature by offering a stage for various voices.
The Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association has announced the release of "Voices of Resilience," a pioneering collection showcasing the works of up-and-coming disabled Zimbabwean poets, as stated by Ndlovu at an event held at the Gweru Press Club.
Ndlovu stated that the initiative, named "Voices of Resilience - Anthology to Celebrate Zimbabwean Poets with Disabilities," received funding from the European Union via assistance from the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe.
"This program seeks to foster inclusivity and representation within literature by offering a stage where skilled poets can convey their stories and viewpoints," he stated.
The Resilient Voices initiative will start with outreach activities aimed at identifying and enlisting emerging poets with disabilities throughout Zimbabwe.
Ndlovu mentioned that his organization will work alongside local disability groups to organize workshops where experienced poets and writers will lead sessions on teaching poetry-writing skills and fostering self-expression.
"These workshops will provide a nurturing setting where participants can refine their skills," he stated.
The collection, named Nhetsutetsu Dzamanyukira—which means an abundance of varied expressions—will include Shona poems accompanied by Braille translations to make them accessible to visually impaired readers.
He mentioned that the anthology will highlight the "endurance and ingenuity" of more than 100 poets addressing crucial topics including disability rights, climate change, and social discrimination, amongst other issues.
"This collection doesn’t just amplify their (the poets who have disabilities) voices; it also promotes a greater comprehension of the difficulties encountered by people with disabilities within our society," explained Ndlovu.