Actions Winya teaches yoga classes inside a beer tavern every Saturday morning. The instructor brings free lessons to people living in Chitungwiza, a poor town outside Harare. Most residents cannot pay the usual fees of thirty to one hundred dollars each month. Winya started these weekend sessions back in 2023 for struggling families. He wanted to help neighbors deal with money problems and mental stress.
About twelve people gather on the cold brick floor without yoga mats. They close their eyes and stretch their bodies as soft music plays around them. One mother tries to focus as her small child runs between the other participants. The unusual location does not bother anyone seeking inner calm. Township sounds like shouting taxi drivers and street vendors drift through the walls.
John Mahwaya brings four children to support and also helps relatives in rural areas. The 47-year-old man says constant worry once made his head spin and caused back pain. Yoga helped him sleep better and think more clearly about daily challenges. Many local men hide their feelings because society expects them to stay tough. He believes mental fitness matters just as much as physical strength.
Edinah Makosa joined the group earlier this year when depression weighed her down. The 24-year-old woman worried about finding work and romantic relationships. Yoga changed how she thinks about life and gave her confidence to start selling beauty products. She stopped stressing about men and learned to accept whatever happens naturally.
About twelve people gather on the cold brick floor without yoga mats. They close their eyes and stretch their bodies as soft music plays around them. One mother tries to focus as her small child runs between the other participants. The unusual location does not bother anyone seeking inner calm. Township sounds like shouting taxi drivers and street vendors drift through the walls.
John Mahwaya brings four children to support and also helps relatives in rural areas. The 47-year-old man says constant worry once made his head spin and caused back pain. Yoga helped him sleep better and think more clearly about daily challenges. Many local men hide their feelings because society expects them to stay tough. He believes mental fitness matters just as much as physical strength.
Edinah Makosa joined the group earlier this year when depression weighed her down. The 24-year-old woman worried about finding work and romantic relationships. Yoga changed how she thinks about life and gave her confidence to start selling beauty products. She stopped stressing about men and learned to accept whatever happens naturally.
