On 19 June, the Alliance Française came alive with stories, emotion, and reflection as Youth for Innovation Trust (YIT) hosted Inherited Words, an evening dedicated to the enduring power of poetry and spoken word. More than a literary event, the gathering celebrated the ability of poetry to preserve memory, spark dialogue, and connect people across borders through shared human experiences. One of the strongest messages to emerge from the evening was a renewed appreciation for written poetic literature. While spoken word captures audiences through performance, written poetry invites readers into a more intimate conversation. Every reader brings their own experiences, imagination, and emotions to the page, creating unique interpretations of the same words. In this way, poetry becomes deeply personal, it does not dictate what to feel but instead creates space for readers to paint their own pictures and discover meanings that resonate with their own lives.
The event reminded audiences that poetry remains one of the most powerful forms of artistic expression because it appeals directly to human emotion. Through carefully chosen words, imagery, and metaphor, poets challenge perspectives, preserve histories, and inspire empathy. In a world increasingly driven by fast-moving digital content, Inherited Words reaffirmed the timeless value of literature that encourages readers to pause, reflect, and connect with themselves and others.
A major highlight of the evening was the official launch of A Poetic Zambezi Experience, an anthology produced by participants of the first Zambezi Meetup Residency, a cross-border artistic residency that brought together young women poets from Zimbabwe and Zambia. The anthology captures diverse voices, lived experiences, and reflections shaped by culture, identity, womanhood, and the shared heritage of the Zambezi region. Each poem stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the role of art in building bridges across communities. The launch marked an important milestone for the Zambezi Meetup, transforming the creative journey of the residency into a lasting literary contribution that readers can return to long after the performances have ended. It also reflects YIT’s continued commitment to creating platforms where young artists can develop their craft, tell their stories, and contribute to conversations that matter.
The anthology, A Poetic Zambezi Experience, is now available for purchase at US$5. Copies can be obtained directly from Youth for Innovation Trust (YIT) or from the featured poets and artists. Every purchase supports emerging writers while ensuring that these inherited words continue to travel, inspire, and find new homes in the hearts of readers.
As the evening concluded, one thing became clear: words may be written on paper, but their true home is in the imagination of those who read them. Inherited Words was a celebration not only of poetry, but of our collective ability to feel, remember, and imagine a better world through art.
Youth For Innovation Trust 