The Preventing Violence in Childhood Research group hosted a visit by two young Zimbabwean poet activists from Africa Community Publishing & Development in February. Bonlam and Bonlat Machiha (The Highflyers) received funding from the British Council to connect with other young poet facilitators in Edinburgh in order to encourage cross-cultural learning and positively influence audiences and readership both in Scotland and Zimbabwe to promote social change.
Through their work with ACPD, they write and perform poetry and publish books to advocate for children’s rights in Zimbabwe. They have been involved in publishing over 15 books that address different issues affecting and concerning young people, including masculinity norms and violence. They have also been involved in the constitution-making process, where they successfully lobbied for the inclusion of children and youth’s views.
During their week in Edinburgh they met with Young Edinburgh Action, Edinburgh City Council, Be United and performed for the British Council and Neu! Reekie! They plan to use what they learned to improve their advocacy efforts to ensure all Zimbabwean children are safe from violence.
See more about our previous collaborations with ACPD here: Multi-Country Study on the Drivers of Violence Affecting Children