VISION
The society we want to help build
A society where young people, especially girls and underserved communities, can heal, learn, lead, and thrive through creative expression, cultural identity, and community engagement.
Zapoetryhouse
Where breath becomes power.
A creative development foundation using poetry, storytelling, arts education, cultural heritage, and creative expression to help young people — especially girls and underserved communities — heal, learn, lead, and thrive.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Creative expression as a pathway to healing, learning, leadership, and community.
Founded in 2023, Zapoetryhouse Foundation creates spaces where young people can develop their voices, strengthen their sense of identity, connect with others, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
Our work brings together the arts, education, culture, and community engagement — with particular attention to girls and underserved communities.
MISSION
How we work toward it
To use poetry, storytelling, arts education, cultural heritage, and creative expression as tools for empowerment, healing, education, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
OUR CORE VALUES
The principles behind the work.
Voice
Every individual deserves the opportunity to be heard.
Creativity
Creative expression can transform lives and communities.
Equity
Everyone deserves access to opportunities regardless of background.
Community
Lasting impact is built through collaboration.
Integrity
We act honestly, transparently, and responsibly.
Heritage
We preserve and celebrate culture, history, and identity.
FOUNDER’S VISION & STORY
From Silence to Voice
Zapoetryhouse grew from founder Basira Rabiu Idris’s own journey of finding her voice through writing, poetry, mentorship, and community building. From her secondary school Press Club years (2008–2014) and her first public poetry performance in 2017, to her work within Kebbi Poetry Club from 2019 and a poetry club she established during her NYSC service in Bali, Taraba State (2021–2022), she saw repeatedly how creative expression could build confidence, leadership, connection, and hope.
The idea, community work, and early operations that would become Zapoetryhouse were already taking shape from 2019. In 2023, the name Zapoetryhouse was coined and the work was established as an independent platform rooted in Northern Nigerian identity and committed to using poetry and creative expression as tools for social change. “Za” is derived from the Hausa expression for “the,” making Zapoetryhouse “The Poetry House.”
“What many of them needed was not someone to speak for them. They needed someone to create the conditions where they could speak for themselves.”
— Basira Rabiu Idris, Founder
WHAT WE RUN
A full calendar of programmes, all year round.
Our work runs throughout the year through creative programmes, literary gatherings, cultural activities, workshops, and community-focused initiatives.
ART & ADVOCACY
UN-MUTE: Art for Social Change
A creative social-impact programme using poetry, spoken word, performance, visual art, and participatory experiences to amplify young voices and inspire social change.
RECURRING
Book O'Clock
A reading and literary discussion circle building a culture of reading alongside performance-based programming.
MONTHLY
Open Mic Saturdays
A consistent stage for poets and performers to share original work and build community between larger events.
WEEKLY
Poetry Clinic Tuesdays (Online)
Live poem-editing sessions where members workshop and strengthen each other's writing, line by line.
HOSTED PROGRAMME
CCPC (Cross Country Poetry Celebration)
A national Poets in Nigeria initiative — the Foundation organizes and hosts the Kebbi State edition each year.
SCHOOLS
Inter-Secondary School Poetry Slam
A schools competition discovering young poetic talent, with scholarships awarded to top performers.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Numfashin Arewa Activities
Cultural and creative activities centred on Northern Nigerian heritage, identity, storytelling, and artistic expression.
COMMUNITY POETRY CIRCLE
Neem Tree Circle
A community-based poetry and creative gathering for reading, reflection, performance, peer learning, and connection.
LEARNING
Creative Workshops
Practical workshops using poetry, storytelling, arts education, and creative expression for learning, skills, and personal development.
LITERARY COMMUNITY
Zapoetryhouse Literary & Performance Circle
A recurring literary and performance gathering bringing poets, storytellers, readers, performers, and community members together for open mic, readings, storytelling, and creative connection.
FOUNDATION PROJECTS
Other Foundation Projects
Additional cultural, educational, youth-development, and community initiatives delivered independently or with partners.
OUR IMPACT SO FAR
Numbers that keep growing.
FROM THE ARCHIVE
Moments from across our programmes.
Join a programme, or partner with the Foundation.
We're looking for volunteers, institutional partners, and sponsors across all of our programmes.