Must entertains Thyolo Cyclone Freddy survivors

By Jonas Nyasulu, contributor:

Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) under its Bingu School of Culture and Heritage on Monday reached out to Cyclone Freddy survivors in Thyolo with performances as part of therapy.

With several creatives joining the country in mobilising resources to support cyclone survivors, Must, through its Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, decided to use art as therapy by reaching out to 48 families at Lufita camp in the Area of Traditional Authority January in the district.

The performances on the day were served by Must Orchestra and band and activities such as poetry and traditional dances.

Bingu School of Culture and Heritage also donated food and non-food items such as plates, flour, soya pieces, salt and bales of plastic sheets valued at K500,000.

Director of Bingu School of Culture and Heritage Atikonda Mtenje Mkochi said they decided to reach out to Cyclone Freddy survivors with performances “because art in all disciplines is a great form of therapy”.

“Art helps in easing anxiety and depression; also, we decided to bring art performances to the survivors of the cyclone because we know many are going through a lot due to loss of loved ones and property following the effects of the cyclone.

“As Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, we have noticed that various players have united in the country to support survivors of the cyclone with various resources but we looked at the psychologic part hence bringing art therapy,” she said.

One of the survivors, Enifa Namwera, hailed Bingu School for Culture and Heritage for the performances and donation.

“We enjoyed ourselves for once through the performances and it eased the stress that many of us have at the moment,” Namwera said.