PROJECTS

ZAP Philosophy

African aid is a contentious subject, for many potential donors are sceptical as to whether their money really reaches those for whom it is intended. They are anxious, too, that it should be spent not only on those most in need, but also on the projects which make the biggest difference to the community.

From the beginning, ZAP was convinced that the most effective way to provide aid is to listen to the people themselves, and as far as possible respond to their needs.

We believe that we should be sensitive to the balance and culture of the community, and not impose our western values where they may do more harm than good.

We have therefore worked hard to set up a partnership between ZAP and the local community in Jambiani. This has been achieved through regular meetings and consultations with many of its members – from the local doctor, school teachers and village elders to the young and hopeful students, mothers, fathers, and many people who have menial, poorly-paid jobs.

It is very encouraging to report the steady growth of ZAP – not only in concrete terms, but also in the acceptance and co-operation that we experience from the people themselves.

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Exciting New Project

JAMBIANI CO-OPERATIVE WORKSHOP

A ground-breaking initiative sponsored by ZAP

Fundis

Zanzibar and, in particular, the south-eastern area which includes Jambiani, Makunduchi and Paje suffers from a lack of qualified tradesmen or “fundis”. Skilled workers are scarce even in Stone Town, and are often brought over from mainland Tanzania, leaving the Zanzibaris unable to take advantage of the steadily growing tourism industry.

In response to this situation, and working with the local community of Jambiani, ZAP has established an innovative Vocational Bursary Scheme. Under the scheme, ZAP funds the college fees, educational tools and day-to-day living expenses of young people in the village, including a waiter, chef, two plumbers, two electricians, two motor mechanics and a refrigeration engineer. Our African Director oversees their pastoral care, and monitors their progress carefully. The waiter and chef already have good jobs in the village and the rest of the students are doing well; they qualify in summer 2009 after a three year course.

Delighted by the opportunity this offers for village employment, the Jambiani Village Committee has asked ZAP to assist in setting up a Fundi Co-operative Workshop. The project has three main aims:

- to regenerate and sustain the local economy

- to disseminate skills throughout the area. (The qualified ZAP Fundis will train their own apprentices, also from the village)

- to expand the range of skilled Fundis to include carpenters, joiners and other trades.

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