Zanele Moyo

GWERU — The Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association last week launched a new project the “Voices of Resilience”, an anthology that highlights the work of Zimbabwean poets with disabilities.

The event, which took place at the Gweru Press Club, brought together poets with disabilities, showcasing their remarkable work and highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the arts.

Dumisani Ndlovu, Executive Director of the Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association outlined the project’s goals and significance in promoting inclusivity and diversity in the arts.

“The project is an innovative anthology showcasing the work of emerging Zimbabwean poets with disabilities.

“This initiative seeks to enhance inclusivity and representation within the literacy community, offering a vital platform for gifted artists to express their unique experiences and viewpoints through poetry,” he said.

Ndlovu expressed the association’s excitement for its potential to promote arts inclusivity.

“The anthology, titled “Nhetsutetsu Dzamanyukira”, will feature poems in Shona with Braille translations, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired readers.

“Although initially planned to celebrate the resilience and creativity of around 100 poets nationwide, the anthology has been scaled down to focus on a single Shona book due to funding limitations,” he said.

The “Voices of Resilience” project is a testament to the power of creativity and determination, featuring the work of Zimbabwean poets with disabilities and offering a unique perspective on the human experience.

The launch served as a platform for discussion, creativity, and celebration, and was attended by members of the press in Gweru and Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association board members.

The “Voices of Resilience” project commenced on March 25, 2025, with outreach efforts aimed at identifying and recruiting budding poets with disabilities from across Zimbabwe.

In collaboration with local disability organisations, HACA will host both physical and virtual workshops, focusing on poetry writing techniques and self-expression.

The project aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in the arts, providing a voice for poets with disabilities and highlighting the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities in creative endeavours.