Empowering Wellness: A Community Health Initiative in Zimbabwe
Shannon Smith, a graduate student in the Kinesiology Program at George Mason University, is pioneering a transformative health and wellness education initiative in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Smith’s six-month community wellness program consists of health and wellness education for a cohort of 20 women. Participants receive education on diet, exercise, and mental health to ultimately become “wellness ambassadors” for their sub-communities.
The idea for this program originated after Smith visited friends in Victoria Falls, where she came across a banner for Pathways–Africa, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering communities through sustainable resource development. She connected with the organization director, identifying a significant gap in health education. ‘I offered to host a couple of workshops, and it turned into this pilot program we’re trying to build,’ Smith stated.
The pilot program commenced earlier this year, when Smith facilitated an in-person workshop serving as the foundation for the program’s content. The cohort convenes monthly for five months to discuss their applications of the information shared, encouraging lifestyle changes and sharing successes. ‘At the end of the program, they’ll be more informed, have healthier lives, and be seen as leaders in their communities regarding wellness,’ she remarked.
Shannon’s experience in Victoria Falls strongly connects to her educational pursuits in the Kinesiology Program within the College of Education and Human Development. The program aligns with health promotion concepts, integrating her previous collaborations with George Mason kinesiology professor Debra Stroiney.
‘I assisted Dr. Stroiney with some Exercise Is Medicine activities last semester and am looking forward to continuing my work in this area of exercise and food as medicine.’ Smith also shared advice for those aspiring to make an impact in their communities: ‘Do it! Locally, it may be easier to find an organization or resources to start a small project. You’ll see a direct impact close to home, which is always nice.’
For those considering international service, she expressed, ‘Globally, there are more factors at play, but the reward can be much bigger if the country lacks the same resources.’ Flexibility is crucial for overcoming cultural and resource barriers, according to Smith.
Overall, she advocates for community involvement stating, ‘There’s always something to learn, you’ll make good connections, impact lives, and you’ll have fun too.’
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