Hello Peeps,
Discover an intriguing story shared by Isa about his captivating journey to Zanzibar.
But first, before we dive into Isa's story, let's get acquainted with Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a beautiful and exotic island off the east coast of Africa.
- It consists of several islands, with the main ones being Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba Island.
- The capital and largest city of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja.
- It has a rich and diverse history that has shaped its unique cultural identity.
- It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical forests.
Because of it's rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience. Whether it's exploring the narrow streets of Stone Town, diving in the breathtaking coral reefs, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches, Zanzibar offers a memorable and enchanting escape.
However, behind the façade of its beauty lies a heartbreaking reality that has left many of its residents struggling to survive.
Here is ISA's story:
I've always had an interest in exploring new places and getting to know the quirky history and local customs.
During my trip to Tanzania Zanzibar in July 2022, I gained insights into societal systems and was captivated by the country's history and beauty as I worked on constructing a school for the local community.
Their beaches were spotless and completely captivating.
I also learned by many, that Zanzibar was a hub of the slave trade, shipping people off to various parts of the world for labor work. This legacy of slavery has left deep scars on the island, with many of its residents still grappling with the intergenerational trauma and poverty that it has caused.
Today, Zanzibar is one of the poorest regions in the world. The lack of economic opportunities and infrastructure has left many families struggling to make ends meet, with some resorting to child labor and other forms of exploitation.
One of the most heartbreaking realities of Zanzibar is the plight of its children. Many children on the island do not have access to basic necessities such as clean water, food, and healthcare. As a result, many suffer from malnutrition and disease and are unable to attend school or receive an education.
Despite these challenges, their people are known for their:
- Warm hospitality and friendly nature.
- They take pride in their cultural heritage and traditions, including music, dance, and storytelling.
- Traditional music genres like taarab and kidumbak are popular, and traditional dances such as ngoma and mdundiko are performed on special occasions and festivals.
To add, there are many individuals and organizations working to make a difference where they plan on constructing schools to provide essential education to empower them to build a better future.
As an engineer, being involved in constructing a school for the local community brought me immense joy. I felt like my contribution made a small but meaningful impact. Sure, seriousness is important, but let's not forget the fun!
By raising awareness and supporting these efforts by the organizations and their own community, we felt like this can help to make a difference in the lives of those who call Zanzibar home.
When we involve a community in the process of building their own schools and other essential infrastructure, we create a sense of connection and responsibility that will motivate them to take care of these resources and ensure their longevity.
We focused on providing guidance and knowledge that will help people to tap into their innate creativity and build for themselves and I believe that guidance and advice with a lot of work of volunteering will affect and one day will create a chain of development.
My visit to Zanzibar was an incredibly meaningful experience. The people, food, music, history, and more will always hold a special place in my heart.
I suggest people visit the country and help build their community through small acts that will improve their country.
I loved Zanzibar :D
In conclusion, this story provides insight into the country and encourages you to visit and contribute to their society.
Until then, Illaliqa :)
#YALLANDISCOVER
