UNITED KINGDOM-BASED Zimbabwean actress, dancer and choreographer Enisia Mashusha is using walk and talk sessions to bond generations in Leeds.
The multi-talented Mashusha established herself as a brand when she founded one of the country’s first-ever all-female dance groups, Mambokadzi, that danced its way to fame between 2005 and 2010.
Fronting for the Mambokadzi dance group, Mashusha changed the face of the local dance scene and several musicians jostled for their services as supporting acts and to feature in their video projects.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style yesterday, Mashusha said through the walk and talk sessions she sought to inspire more young people in Leeds to give back to their communities.
“I have decided to dedicate my time to giving back to the community through walk and talk sessions, a simple but powerful way to bring people together.
“For older participants, the sessions are a lifeline. I am doing this alongside youth volunteer Edmond Junior Gore,” Mashusha said.
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“Through walk and talk sessions, we encourage older members of our community to step outside, enjoy gentle exercise and share meaningful conversations.
“The walks are more than a physical activity, as they are also about connection, laughter and reminding people that an hour spent together can brighten someone’s whole day.”
Mashusha said during the sessions, every conversation became a bridge linking experience with curiosity, wisdom with energy and stories of the past with hopes for the future.
“What makes these sessions unique is their transparency and inclusivity. Families are always kept in the loop, ensuring that older members feel supported and respected.
“For older people, our walk and talk sessions are a chance to enjoy fresh air and companionship.
"For young people, it is an opportunity to learn empathy, responsibility and the joy of service.
“We always make sure families are aware and supportive, keeping everything transparent and respectful.
“Kindness does not have to be complicated. Sometimes, presence and encouragement are the most valuable things we can give.”
For Gore, the walk and talk sessions are not just about exercise, but also about building friendships across generations and creating a stronger community in Leeds.
“As a young person, I love giving back to my community and I have come to realise how rewarding it is to give back to the community,” Gore noted.
“I am dedicated to inspiring more young people to get involved in giving back to their communities with small, consistent acts of kindness, which create lasting impact and strengthen bonds across Leeds.”
Off the walk and talk sessions, there is another place where connections are being built, the basketball court.
Gore said he was also using basketball to bring together young people in Leeds.
“For me, basketball has become an important sport to unite people, apart from the walk and talk sessions.
“Playing basketball with other young people in Leeds brings us together, keeps us active and teaches us the importance of teamwork and discipline,” he said.
Gore has encouraged other young people to be involved in activities like sports, as they keep people connected, positive and focused.
“Some sporting activities create a space where energy, positivity and discipline come together.
“Whether it is walking alongside an older neighbour in the community or playing basketball with friends, it is all about building stronger bonds and making Leeds a better place for everyone,” Gore said.
“These activities weave people together, reminding us that community is built step by step, conversation by conversation, game by
game.
“The hope is simple yet powerful, to inspire more young people in Leeds to give back.”