This October, the 3rd cohort of ORA Africa Fellows gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe for our first in-person retreat. Held under the theme “Imagining a New World Beyond the Polycrisis,” the gathering invited us to explore both personal and community resilience, share the projects we are nurturing across the continent, and support one another in the unique ways we each organize for the futures we long for. Hosted by GCED 4 Zimbos and Climate Chronicle, the retreat included reflective circles, collaborative sessions, and a field visit to a local mental wellness space. Our experience was a reminder that healing is not a personal endeavour, but rather a process that unfolds in community.
I found myself shaped in surprising ways. What follows are the lessons I carried home—gifts from each ORA participant.
From Mwongela, I learned that there can be cosmic order in chaos, and that the primordial and the sacred are not separate. I learned to hold balance and differing perspectives, and to listen and see, as I wish to be heard and seen. I remembered the power of self-belief, and the impact of the community that shapes the self.
From Magdalene, I was reminded of the necessity of human consciousness. That good and evil exist within, and heaven and hell, just like devils and angels, exist within the making of one’s own mind, before they could ever exist anywhere outside. I learned that humans do not give themselves enough credit, both for their beauty, and for their horror. I was reminded as well that, as life cannot exist without death, one person cannot be experienced without the context of another. I remembered that beauty is centered on radical honesty and the reflection of the internal compass.
From Alieu, I learned endless new words and concepts that give one pause and shatter most illusions and binding shackles. I was reminded of how it feels to be inspired by and in awe of the brilliance of a human mind and the radiance a human heart is capable of. I acquired some grasp of true socialism, and remembered that one can never stop persevering until the revolution leading to the highest negation.
I was reminded that there is no personal wellbeing while the world around you suffers, and that no one is unique or alone in any struggle. I learned, also, that sometimes love requires fighting for it, and self-sacrifice, when chosen freely, can be a high form of devotion to a story beyond the disturbing confines of oneself.
From Sandra, I was reminded of the simplicity of kindness and care, especially toward those often left behind or forgotten. I learned of the importance of learning the languages, metaphorical and literal, of the people one wishes to commune with. I learned of wisdom and how it’s gained, and the synergy between truth and love.
From Sungu, I learned of the importance of a positive, persevering perspective. I remembered the potency of the force that is telling stories, and shaping them as personally and collectively desired, no matter the substance or origin. I learned of ownership and sovereignty, of strength that doesn’t overpower, and of support, deep friendship, and the sturdy reliability and care that carries each one of us through this life.
From Ebubu, I’m reminded that absence can be felt as forcefully as presence. Silence balances sound. And just when you think you know everything, there is something else you haven’t learned, a different perspective you haven’t seen, and a conversation you haven’t had. No story is ever neatly and perfectly complete, yet that itself is a story worth telling. A way to keep one’s mind and heart open. I remembered that blank spaces exist for a reason, and they don’t always need to be painted over.
Finally, from our anchors—Precious, OdudAbasi, and Nnimmo Bassey—I witnessed the power of three, the power of more, the power of wise, steadfast, openly engaged, time-honoured guardians of a circle. Thank you for bringing us all together, first as ORA Africa global fellows, and then as united family in Zimbabwe.
From all of us, I have re-membered that nature is home, there is no better person to be than the purest form of oneself, and there is no such self without humanity as a whole and the Earth we lay to rest on. I have also strengthened bonds with a family across the continent; for this and more, I thank you.
With Love and Solidarity,
Lindsay
Images captured by Wayne Chirau (South Zaeya Studios)
About the Author
Lindsay Nyabereka is an author, creative educator, life coach, and human and environmental rights advocate currently pursuing studies in Law. Her work centers on empowering women and youth, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening community resilience across the Global South.
Lindsay is the founder of GCED 4 Zimbos, a project dedicated to contextualized Global Citizenship Education for Zimbabwean youth and women. She is also editor of Poetry 4 Peace, A Zimbabwean Youth Community Anthology, and founder of Healing with Words, a social enterprise and publishing platform offering emotional and spiritual healing tools for Women of Color. She was crowned Miss Planet Zimbabwe in 2023 and was a top 7 finalist for Miss Zimbabwe World Class of 2024/2025.
