In 2021 My Boston-based creative company Maoko Project and generous donors raised $3,500 in support of the creation of 2 Benches at 2 Clinics Just outside of Harare , Zimbabwe effectively supporting over 5,000. I am committed to supporting organizations what tackle mental health as I have members of my family who struggle with depression as do so many in the world. My mother was one of them, and she passed away in June 4, 2020. I started this project in memory of her. When my mother was alive we spoke often about how we wanted to help others suffering and had started searching for programs to support.
There are not enough therapists in the world, and Friendship Bench has a solution. Friendship Bench Zimbabwe provides free talk therapy on a bench to community members in need. They train Grandmothers in Problem Solving Therapy, a trained ear to help others. IN 2022 we used the funds, to provide the Gogos' ( grandmothers") branded shirts in memory of my mother so they were recognizable in the community. We also paid for trainings.They are singing in Shona about how much they love their work, they will work hard to do their best. You also see the bench.
This year 2023 we raised more funds which will be used for benches in communities in Mutare, Bulawayo in Zimbabwe
For more about https://www.friendshipbenchzimbabwe.org/