Mwandi, 29 June 2026

People arrive in the afternoon. There are speakers, but the point is the circle: neighbours, students, parents and health workers sitting together as the light goes, talking about the things that are usually kept indoors. Everyone leaves knowing where to find help, and knowing that someone nearby has been through it too.

The first bonfire was held at Lilayi Lodge in Lusaka and it returns there regularly. It has since been carried to other communities, most recently Mwandi. Over three years more than two thousand people have taken part.