There is usually no yoga here. In Zimbabwe, yoga is rare and is mostly done in rich suburbs. However, now Yoga is rooted in Chitungvija, a small town 30 km from the capital Harare.
This initiative is being led by yoga instructors action, which seems to have causing damage to the mental health of the people of their hometowns.
Vinya said, “Yoga is valuable … People who live in settlements around us need to improve their mental health.”
Vinya teaches in rich areas and charges 30 to 100 per month. Earning so much money is impossible for most people in a country where many people run livelihood through informal work.
Since the year 2023, Vinya has been taking classes in weekends for free due to Zimbabwe’s economic problems.
These classes have become a source of relief for people struggling with continuous challenges. Officials believe that social crisis is increasing, which has become worse due to drug abuse, domestic violence and poverty.
Officials say it has become even more complicated due to public health services and lack of physicians.
Vinya said, “I am a coach, so they bring the troubles in their family to me. We advise them to do yoga, which can help some extent.”
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice, which has become an billions of dollars industry and has become a daily activity for millions of people worldwide. The United Nations declared International Yoga Day more than a decade ago as International Yoga Day.
In Africa, other countries like Kenya and South Africa are starting yoga among poor communities, and the Indian government is promoting its spread throughout the continent.
Sweet music is playing in a tavern in Zimbabwe and more than 10 participants are taking pictures. They do not have any mat, but the determination of inner peace is full.
Yoga exercises have been transformational for John Mahavaya (47). He is the father of four children and also helps his relatives in rural areas. He said that at one time this responsibility had affected his mental health very badly.
He said, “My head was always cheating. I felt that I was losing my mind, and back pain started due to stress. Yoga helps me to relax and keep my mind calm. I sleep peacefully these days.”
Edinah Mossa (24) joined class earlier this year. He said that he has given hope to him.
Makosa said, “I used to be very depressed. The main reasons for stress for people of my age are unemployment and relationship.”
He said, “Yoga has changed my mindset. I always thought negative. Now I have started selling beauty products to earn a living.”
