Zebra Stripes Week Seminar – Building Awareness and Inclusion

by Erina Nyahwema

On 10 October 2025, the Epilepsy Resource Centre Zimbabwe (ERCZ) and the Epilepsy Support Foundation (ESF) hosted a Zebra Stripes Week Seminar at Sharon Cohen. The event brought together 40 participants, including teachers, parents, children, service users, and organisers.

Twelve teachers represented four schools: Tamuka, St Mary’s, Zengeza 7, and Sharon Cohen. Other attendees included members from Green Light International Trust, Vana Vedu Organisation, ERCZ service users, and parents and children living with epilepsy.

Key sessions covered an introduction to the hosting organisations, an overview of Zebra Stripes Week, and discussions on epilepsy causes, symptoms, triggers, and first aid. A powerful personal testimony from an ERCZ member highlighted resilience, encouraged confidence, and promoted inclusion and empathy within the community.

Facilitators encouraged open discussion, allowing participants to share experiences and expectations. The seminar closed with remarks from the Sharon Cohen school head, followed by medication distribution to service users.

The event reflected the spirit of Zebra Stripes Week, raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering understanding for people living with epilepsy.