3rd Fundraiser for Zimbabwe Friendship Bench

Hello, I am U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo, a Boston based Zimbabwean American Artist/Organizational Change Consultant and founder of Maoko Project which takes its name from the Shona proverb "Hama Maoko," which translates to "your relatives are your hands." This philosophy embodies the belief that individuals can make a positive impact in the world and create meaningful change through self-determination and hard work.

Inspired by this proverb and in memory of my late mother Helen I have chosen to support the Zimbabwe Friendship Bench once again. She passed away June 4, 2020, like, so many who struggled with depression but were not defined by it. She also battled Cancer, and through it all gave us so much love. She lived a full life and so too can those who receive help in time. I miss her every day but her lessons of giving back to the community live on.

Zimbabwe Friendship Bench is an organization that provides training in problem-solving therapy to Grandmothers who then become pillars of support within their communities. By utilizing benches as a space for therapy and guidance. It has created a unique and effective model that ensures everyone can receive the help they need during challenging times. They provide therapy free of charge to community members.

I had the privilege of visiting the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Friendship Bench in Harare in January 2023. During my visit, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the organization, met with

Dr Dixon Chibanda the founder and his incredible team.

I learned firsthand how much our funds through the Maoko Project have made an impact on communities in Zimbabwe.

In 2022, you helped me raise over $4,000 and we supported 2 clinics, and 35 grandmothers and served over 5,000 people.

I am so grateful to the Gogo's ( grandmothers) who work so hard to be of support to others. Here is a

short video of them wearing branded shirts so community members can recognize them singing how much they love their work.

In 2023-2024 my goal is the creation of 2 benches in the Mutare and Chipinge area where they are none presently.

Zimbabwe Friendship Bench currently is expanding across the country, and neighboring countries, as well as in the USA. Check out this article in the Boston Globe

Your donation big or small can make a difference and this is how it will be used

$25 a monthly stipend for one Grandmother

$50 for each peer-led therapy group that creates income-generating businesses

$80 cost for each bench

$175 for a 6-month salary for one Grandmother

$300 branded teeshirts for Grandmothers' visibility in the community

$500 for training/administrative needs

Thank you so much!