MIDLANDS province-based arts group Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association (HACA) has launched a project to showcase the work of poets with disabilities.
HACA executive director Dumisani Ndlovu said the initiative aimed to promote inclusivity and representation in the literary world by providing a platform.
“Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association is excited to announce the launch of Voices of Resilience, a ground-breaking anthology that highlights the work of emerging Zimbabwean poets with disabilities,” Ndlovu said during an event at the Gweru Press Club.
Ndlovu said the project, titled Voices of Resilience-Anthology to Celebrate Zimbabwean Poets with Disabilities, was funded by the European Union through support from the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe.
“This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and representation in the literary world providing a platform for talented artists to share their experiences and perspectives through poetry,” he said.
“The Voices of Resilience project will begin with outreach efforts to identify and recruit budding poets with disabilities from across Zimbabwe.”
Ndlovu said his organisation would collaborate with local disability organisations to host workshops that would see established poets and authors conduct training on poetry writing techniques and self-expression.
“These workshops will create a supportive environment for participants to hone their crafts,” he said.
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“The anthology, titled Nhetsutetsu Dzamanyukira, which translates to overflowing diverse expression, will feature poems in Shona with translations to Braille to ensure accessibility for visually impaired readers.”
He said the anthology would celebrate the “resilience and creativity” of at least 100 poets exploring significant themes such as disability rights, climate change and societal discrimination, among others.
“This anthology not only highlights their (poets with disabilities) voices, but also fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in our society,” Ndlovu said.
