Sat Jun 21 03:57:20 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

In Zimbabwe, facing economic hardship and limited access to mental health resources, a yoga instructor named Actions Winya is offering free yoga classes in a low-income area. Held at an unlikely location, a beer tavern, these sessions provide a source of relief and mental wellness for people struggling with the stresses of poverty, unemployment, and societal pressures. Despite the challenges, participants find solace and positive change through yoga, highlighting its importance in addressing mental health needs in underserved communities.

**News Article:**

**Yoga Finds Unlikely Home in Zimbabwe Tavern, Offering Mental Wellness Amid Hardship**

*Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe* – Before sunrise on International Yoga Day (June 21, 2025), a group gathered not for drinks, but for downward dog at the Socialite Bar in Chitungwiza, a low-income town on the outskirts of Harare. Driven by the lack of mental health resources and the economic struggles plaguing Zimbabwe, yoga instructor Actions Winya is offering free weekend yoga classes to the community.

Traditionally seen as a luxury in Zimbabwe, Winya, who usually charges affluent clients between $30 and $100 a month, recognized the pressing need for mental wellness in underserved areas. “Yoga is expensive… but we also got humans in the ghetto. They need mental wellness,” he explained.

The sessions have become a vital lifeline for many facing challenges such as unemployment, domestic violence, and drug abuse, issues exacerbated by the country’s struggling economy. Participants like John Mahwaya, a father of four, have found solace from the debilitating stress and anxiety that once overwhelmed him. “Yoga helps me relax and clear my mind,” he said.

Edinah Makosa, a 24-year-old who joined earlier this year, credits yoga with transforming her outlook on life and empowering her to overcome depression. “Yoga changed my mindset… Now I have started selling beauty products to earn a living.”

Despite the unconventional setting and lack of mats, the determination for inner peace is palpable among the participants. Winya hopes to eventually secure a proper studio but emphasizes that the benefits transcend the environment. “We need to promote yoga in the communities because everyone has a mind. And fitness of the mind is the responsibility of everyone, regardless of where you live,” Mahwaya added.

As yoga continues to gain traction across Africa with support from the Indian government, Winya’s initiative highlights its potential as a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being in even the most challenging circumstances.

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