14. Nov 2011

Palma Guest Writer Rhodah Mashavave talks with schoolchildren in Ibiza

, a Zimbabwean journalist and ICORN's guest writer in Palma de Mallorca from 2009-2011, has used her Palma safe haven not only to develop her own writing, but also to chronicle in several newspapers in Mallorca and to get invovled in local schools and literary events both close and farther afield. Mashavave visited three schools in Ibiza before her residency in Spain came to an end. She spoke with the students about the lack of freedom of speech in her homeland and the cultural differences between Spain and Zimbabwe.

Rhodah Mashavave

The presentation included a slide show and explanation of the colors of the Zimbabwean flag. Mashavave informed the high school students of what life is like under the repressive regime of Robert Mugabe, explaining that there is no freedom of thought or speech and that everything said about the government must be positive, leaving dissident voices to face possible violence or imprisonment. She compared the regime to that of the twentieth century Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.

Mashavave told the students that education is not free in Zimbabwe as it is in Spain, which renders many citizens unable to advance in society. Several of the female pupils asked about the state of women's rights in the country. She explained that men and women are given equal status in the Constitution, but not in practice. Other students were curious to hear more about the cuisine, native animals, and popular sports in Zimbabwe. The students enjoyed her visit and went away with a greater understanding of the obstacles that people throughout the world may face.