National Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST-Z) training of trainers held in Harare

CREATE PhD Fellow Maureen Tshuma successfully delivered the National Training of Trainers Workshop for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Zimbabwe (CST-Z) from 9–13 February 2026 in Harare. The week-long workshop brought together trainers from a wide range of organisations and institutions working directly with older adults and people living with dementia across Zimbabwe. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions, learned about the development and evaluation of CST-Z, and were equipped to become trainers themselves, ready to lead dementia care initiatives in their communities.

As part of her doctoral research, Maureen adapted Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)—originally developed in the UK (CST UK)—for use in Zimbabwe. This adaptation, called CST-Z, included the creation of comprehensive manuals in both English and Shona to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility. CST is an internationally recognised, evidence-based group intervention that has been successfully implemented in countries including Tanzania, Nigeria, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and India. It has been shown to improve cognitive functioning, enhance social engagement, and boost quality of life for people living with dementia and their families. Importantly, CST-Z is a low-cost, community-deliverable intervention, making it particularly suited to Zimbabwe, where access to specialist dementia services remains limited. By training local community-based workers, CST-Z ensures that dementia care can reach people in their own communities, promoting social inclusion and wellbeing.

In Zimbabwe, CST-Z is now a key part of the KOSHESAI Study and the Healthy Minds Community Healthy Ageing Peer Support (CHAPS) Programme, both co-developed by Maureen. These initiatives strengthen community-based support systems for healthy ageing and dementia care, creating sustainable pathways for improved quality of life for older adults