Question 1

What are the visa requirements for Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Zimbabwe eVisa portal for more information on your visa requirements.
https://www.evisa.gov.zw/

Question 2

Should I have an health and safety concerns visiting Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

Find out more about health and safety by visiting the Zimbabwe Tourism guidance  https://zimbabwetourism.net/health-and-safety/

Question 3

What do the locals call Victoria Falls?

Accepted Answer

The falls are traditionally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which means “The Smoke That Thunders” in the local Tonga language. This name entirely captures the towering mist and mighty roar of the waterfall.

Question 4

How do I get to Victoria Falls?

Accepted Answer

Victoria Falls International Airport (Zimbabwe) and Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (Zambia) are the two main entry points. Both are well connected by regional flights, and many lodges offer airport transfers.

Question 5

Is Victoria Falls safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Victoria Falls is a well-established tourist destination. However, it’s imperative to stay within designated viewing areas and be mindful of wildlife when exploring nearby parks.

Question 6

What currency should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Zimbabwe primarily uses the US Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having small cash denominations is useful for tipping and local markets.

Question 7

What should I pack for Victoria Falls?

Accepted Answer

– Comfortable walking shoes.
– Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses (the sun can be intense). Temperatures are high Oct.-Dec. typically low-to-mid 30s°C, with increasing humidity. 
– Insect repellent (especially in the evening).

Question 8

Is tipping expected in areas close to Victoria Falls?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 10-15% tipping is common in restaurants, and guides or hotel staff appreciate gratuities for good service.

Question 9

What is Friendship Bench?

Accepted Answer

The Friendship Bench provides sustainable community based psychological interventions that are evidence based, accessible and scalable. We are reimagining the delivery of evidence-based mental healthcare through training community health workers (also known as lay health workers) to provide basic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with an emphasis on Problem Solving Therapy, activity scheduling and peer led group support. This task shifting approach means we can deliver an effective, affordable and sustainable solution to bridge the mental health treatment gap at a primary care level.

Question 10

What is talk therapy?

Accepted Answer

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is based on the core idea that talking about the things that are bothering you can help clarify them and put them in perspective.

There are various forms of talk therapy, the Friendship Bench focuses on the evidence based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which focuses on problem solving sherapy and behavioural activation.

Question 11

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

All therapy sessions are free of charge.

Question 12

What is Problem Solving Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Problem-solving therapy works by teaching people skills to help them take a more active role in their lives, taking more initiative, and utilizing whatever influence they have to effectively make decisions and achieve their goals. By using this treatment approach with one specific problem, people learn to apply it to any other problem they may face, empowering them to face difficulties more independently. As these skills are repeatedly practice, clients often report an increased sense of confidence and agency in many aspects of their lives.

Question 13

How can I volunteer with Friendship Bench?

Accepted Answer

We appreciate your interest in making a community impact. Currently, we don't have an active volunteer program. Please join our waitlist by filling out this form: https://www.friendshipbench.org/volunteer.

Question 14

How long will it take to hear from you once we have submitted the partnerships form?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond within 2 weeks. However, it does sometimes depend on the number of lists that have been submitted.

Question 15

In what countries is Friendship Bench located?

Accepted Answer

Friendship Bench was founded in Zimbabwe, and has been replicated in Malawi, Zanzibar, Vietnam, Kenya, Jordan, the USA (New York City , Ohio, New Orleans and Washington DC), the UK(London), and Colombia.

Question 16

How can i donate to Friendship Bench?

Accepted Answer

You can donate through Givebutter on our donate page.
For other forms of support kindly email support@friendshipbench.org

Question 17

What is the FB In A Box

Accepted Answer

The FB In A Box is the blueprint of the Friendship Bench model. It brings together all the lessons learnt from the past decade of implementation. It's simple and adaptable in any setting in the world.

Question 18

What is the cost of FB In A Box?

Accepted Answer

The price of FB In A Box varies based on the training level and the number of participants. For detailed pricing, please contact us at partnerships@friendshipbench.org.

Question 19

How can I bring Friendship Bench to my community?

Accepted Answer

To become part of the movement and explore our offerings, please fill out the form on our website: https://www.friendshipbench.org/partnerships.

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