Joe and Mary Braitch are a remarkable couple – keen ZAP supporters, they have undertaken the new solar project entirely on their own initiative, and at considerable personal expense. Visiting the clinic, they noticed the very large number of patients being treated for respiratory disorders, and discovered that one of the main causes is the widespread use of kerosene lamps in homes where electricity is either unaffordable or unreliable due to the frequent power problems.

Determined to help, in summer 2011 they took out quantities of tools, solar lights and even a solar water pump. They worked hard to source a reliable supplier in Stone Town, invested in the initial purchases, then organised a simple system of Hire Purchase for the villagers. Joe’s engineering and entrepreneurial background and Mary’s quiet determination and people skills are a great combination. In a remarkably short time the have won the confidence of the villagers and largely overcome the inevitable problems and obstacles in their way.

You can read the full story so far on our News page at http://www.zanzibaraction.co.uk/news/126.html

Thanks to Joe and Mary, some 80 homes in Jambiani now have a solar light. We are in awe at what they have achieved, and proud that they are doing it under the ZAP umbrella.

On our recent Field Trip to Jambiani (of which we will be writing more shortly), ZAP Directors Pat and Janie Preece were delighted to be able to meet a group of young people who had just climbed Kilimanjaro, and who are donating a portion of the proceeds of their sponsorship to ZAP.

Jackie Brennan and her friends (work colleagues) were chilling out in Jambiani after their gruelling climb – ‘Never again!’ they chorused when we talked about their painful ascent on Blue Lagoon terrace. A couple of days later, Jackie and two others took advantage of Mr Pandu’s Grand ZAP Tour to visit the clinic, the Academy, the nursery schools and the sewing ladies. They must have been impressed with ZAP’s work because three of the group have set up very generous Regular Giving payments (monthly standing orders) for our charity. This is the most welcome method of helping ZAP of all, because it gives us security and ensures that our 5 key projects can be sustained.

We thank them so very much for their kindness, and just as much for their interest, support and the nice things that they said about our work.

We are absolutely delighted to report that Andrew Morrison and his daughter, Annie del Mar have raised well over £2,000 between them for ZAP. For Andrew, being one of ZAP’s directors, and not in his first flush of youth, it was a particularly excellent effort. Those of us who were accustomed to his comfortably rounded silhouette became anxious prior to the event as he shed literally stones in weight. His figure is now sylph-like, which is maddening for those of us who don’t possess his will-power. As for Annie, as a busy mother of 3 children and goodness knows what else on her plate, it was a fantastically generous thing to do for us, and we are so grateful. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

A long field trip to Zanzibar has already begun, with Janet in the vanguard, Pat and Janie to follow, and Joe and Mary Braitch to join us half-way through. Janet is in charge of the annual Headington School Trip to Jambiani. Twelve girls doing their IB, together with four teachers will be staying in the village. As last year, they will be joining up with their equivalent standard of school children from Jambiani and will be spending the week getting to know each other, teaching in the Academy and Nursery Schools and generally being exposed to a culture which is worlds away from the one they know.

The tasks ahead for the rest of the ZAP group are too numerous to mention here, but a full report will be forthcoming on their return in August.

At long last the building of the garage has been finished, unfortunately some months behind schedule. It has been a big project, and a complicated one which tested to the limit Mr Vuai’s renowned organisational skills. Shortage of material, a particularly long and drawn-out rainy season and constant power outages have been responsible for the delay, but at last it is open for business. We are much looking forward to seeing the completed building when we travel out in July – watch this space for further updates.

For all the latest news of ZAP Projects in our Spring Newsletter, click here: Spring 2011

 April 29th 2011

Well, I did it!  And thanks to your very kind and generous donation I am absolutely delighted to say that over £5,000 has been raised for Zanzibar Action Project.   This is worth roughly £50,000 in Zanzibar and will enable ZAP to continue its programme of medical, educational and vocational aid.

Running the London Marathon was an amazing experience – but one I do not intend  to repeat.  Six hours after setting off – and feeling great – I staggered over the finish line, utterly exhausted.   It was a hot day and 18 miles into the run my left knee, which had been troublesome in training, became very painful and I was forced to walk the last 8 miles.  However, with so many enthusiastic supporters lining the route, there was never any question of giving up.  Tom, Honor and Ed were there at the finish to help me limp home and recover.

It was a truly inspirational day, from the variety of people taking part, to the fantastic London crowds and the overwhelming support and good wishes of my friends, family and ZAP supporters.   Once again, on behalf ZAP, thank you very much.  I simply could not have done without you!

Sophie de Winton

First trip to Zanzibar

Joe Braitch, Mr V and Mr P

This Is Africa – TIA.  It’s a phrase we heard many times in Zanzibar, to remind us not to compare the very basic and difficult conditions there with what we’re used to in the UK!  Neither my husband Joe nor I had been to Africa before, so it was an eye-opening experience for us to visit the village of Jambiani in the company of the lovely friendly Mr Pandu and the quieter and very caring Mr Vuai.  They were so welcoming and gave up a lot of their time to show us the various projects ZAP is involved in.

Among others, we visited the Nursery Schools, the Academy and Dr Hamza’s surgery – all in Jambiani – and the Students’ Boarding House in Stone Town. All were desperately lacking in the basic facilities we would expect at home, but at the same time were a triumph of achievement and success in Zanzibar. The school children were happy and soaking up knowledge in three languages; the Academy was in constant use for adults’ English language classes, as a lending library and as an internet access point; the valiant Dr Hamza calmly took responsibility for the health of 8,000 people; and the Higher Education students asked for nothing other than more books – despite sleeping three to a double mattress on the floor of a small room and catering for themselves with the help of an open fire outside!

It was inspiring and humbling to witness what ZAP and the local people have achieved over the past seven years, and exciting to envisage the potential for further development and for new projects in the future – in fact, we have our second trip planned for July!

Mary Braitch

February 2011

28^th February 2011 – Sophie de Winton’s Marathon Blog

Brancaster school children set the pace for Sophie

Seven weeks to go and the nearer the 17^th April looms, the more daunting my task becomes.  In line with recommended training I have upped my weekly mileage to around 20 miles per week.  However, my knees are beginning to niggle and in order to give them a rest I am keeping road running to a minimum for the next couple of weeks.  I’m concentrating on cycling, swimming and gym work to keep my fitness and strength levels up.  At least the days are drawing out nicely now and it’s not such a rush to get outside and train before darkness.

Fundraising is going really well and everyone is being incredibly supportive.  A successful and fun quiz night raised £350 and some very generous sponsorship by my husband’s company, Reeve Flooring, has meant that I have generated over £2,000 for ZAP already!

My local primary school in Brancaster, where I am a governor, has taken quite an interest in ZAP following a lovely presentation by Janie.  The children were fascinated to learn about life in Zanzibar and just how very basic resources are there.  They hope to set up a link with a Jambiani school.  The Brancaster school Council decided to hold a cake stall to raise some sponsorship money.  In return I offered to tell them how my training was going and run with them round the school playing field.  A press release to the local newspapers has resulted in some good coverage for both ZAP and the school.

At the moment I am organising a big mailout to all my contacts and friends explaining what I am up to and asking for sponsorship.  This run is all consuming and life is 100% full on at the moment!

Sophie de Winton

ZAP has moved into the 21^st century – we hope you will enjoy our blog and feel inspired to make your comments occasionally.  If you have something to add or would like to contribute, please contact us at info@zanzibaraction.co.uk and type BLOG in the subject.

We would especially like to hear from past volunteers, and any visitors to Jambiani who are interested in ZAP Projects.