We see that in many African countries there is a lack of adequate psychosocial, therapeutic, and psychiatric help.
The taboo on perceiving and talking about one’s own needs and emotions makes it difficult for children to build their own identity. In addition, there is the excessive demand to deal with emotions, such as fear of loss through death or trauma from abuse. This often leads to anxiety disorders, depression, and hopelessness, which leads to suicide.
We want to help children and young people to find a healthy way of dealing with their own feelings and their own identity. Away from survival – towards life. That is why we call ourselves MoyoMusic, because in the Bantu languages Moyo means LIFE.
With the help of trauma-sensitive texts, with self-esteem-building statements and psycho-educational topics, we compose life-affirming songs (e.g., together with the children) in the respective local languages to promote children and young people in their emotional and mental health in a self-effective manner.
Together we want to develop and perform these songs in workshops, festivals, and competitions. We will also integrate other creative activities such as dance, theatre, art, stage design and costume design, etc.
Currently there is a team in Zambia (Lusaka) and a team in Malawi (Lilongwe). Since July 2023, we are conducting pilot projects at both locations, which are implemented in cooperation with local schools.
