Ray Of Hope

DEPRESSION AND SU***DE PREVENTION EVENT DRAWS YOUTHS FOR BOLD DIALOGUES IN MPOPOMA

MPOPOMA, BULAWAYO – 28 February 2026

In a powerful display of community solidarity and mental health advocacy, Abangane Platforms, in partnership with Ray of Hope, successfully hosted a Depression and Su***de Prevention Support event at the Inyathi Youth Center in Mpopoma on Saturday.

The event, themed "Transforming minds through bold dialogues," drew a diverse gathering of young people from across Bulawayo who came together to break the silence surrounding mental health challenges. From 11 AM to 2 PM, the venue was filled with honest conversations, shared experiences, and a palpable sense of hope.

At the heart of the event was the courageous sharing of personal stories. Attendees opened up about their struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for healing. The highlight of the day was a moving testimony from a prominent local artist, who bravely shared their personal journey with mental health challenges. Their story of struggle, resilience, and hope resonated deeply with the audience, proving that mental health challenges do not discriminate and that recovery is possible with support and the right tools.

"Why this?" the organizers asked. The answer was clear: to help participants integrate evidence-based strategies into their daily lives, building sustainable habits for managing stress and anxiety while fostering resilience.
The event was open to all, reflecting the organizers' belief that mental health education and support should be accessible to everyone. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with rising mental health challenges among its youth, initiatives like this serve as crucial lifelines, offering not just information but genuine human connection.

Ray Of Hope joins in the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based , and Ray of Hope stands with survivors and victims.

This year, we amplify two crucial messages:

1. "Stop Killing Our Women. They are our strength." 💔
2. "Men are victims also!!!" 👥

Gender-Based Violence is an evil that affects everyone, regardless of gender. It is NEVER the victim's fault. There is NO HONOUR in killing.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please report any related cases to the nearest police station immediately. You are not alone.

Let's break the silence. Let's challenge the norms. Let's choose respect over violence.