INCLUSION
At Blooming Zanzibar, we are proud to offer job opportunities for young adults with special needs, empowering them to become active members of the community. Through our NGO, More Africa, we provide specialized education, physical therapy, and medical care tailored to the unique talents of individuals with special needs. As these young individuals reach a certain age, we will provide vocational training at our dedicated training center, equipping them with the skills needed for employment and independence. We are currently raising funds to open this vocational training center, which will create even more opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
But what is the state of inclusivity for children with disabilities in Zanzibar? We would like to take you on the journey of the (slow) movement toward change.
Zanzibar, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is a popular destination for tourists seeking its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, beyond the beauty of the coastline, people with disabilities face significant challenges in accessing education, employment, and social services. Despite the island’s growing tourism industry and vibrant culture, people with disabilities often experience exclusion from mainstream activities, education and societal participation.
A (slowly) growing movement
The last few years there is a growing movement focused on inclusion, support, and empowerment for people with disabilities on the island.
In Zanzibar, like many parts of the world, people with disabilities have historically faced challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and social opportunities. However, organizations and local communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of inclusion and are working to create a more accessible and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Unfortunately, there is still a significant taboo surrounding disabilities in Zanzibar. Many people with disabilities face stigma and are often excluded from social, educational, and economic opportunities due to widespread misconceptions and a lack of awareness. This stigma often stems from a lack of understanding and knowledge about disabilities, leading to discrimination and isolation.
There is also a severe shortage of resources dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Educational institutions often lack the proper facilities, specialized teachers, and resources to adequately support children with disabilities. This results in many children being excluded from formal education, which limits their potential and opportunities for a better future.
In order to address these challenges, it is crucial to raise awareness, improve access to education, and increase financial support for programs that promote inclusion. Only by breaking the taboo, educating communities, and providing the necessary resources can Zanzibar work towards a more inclusive society where people with disabilities are fully integrated and given equal opportunities.
We are proud to work closely with the Ministry of Disabilities in Zanzibar to break the taboo surrounding disabilities and promote greater inclusion within society. Together, we are focused on educating communities, raising awareness, and challenging the misconceptions that often lead to discrimination and exclusion.
A key part of our work is providing people with disabilities the tools, skills, and training they need to access better opportunities. We offer educational programs and vocational training that prepare individuals with disabilities for paid employment, helping them become active and valued members of the community. By focusing on skill-building and job readiness, we aim to empower individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the confidence and ability to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Our collaboration with the Ministry of Disabilities plays a vital role in advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, pushing for policy changes, and creating more accessible opportunities. Through these efforts, we hope to break down the barriers of stigma and isolation, fostering a more inclusive and supportive Zanzibar where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and have a place in the community.
Inclusive education for all
While more and more schools in urban areas claim to offer inclusive education, the reality is often quite different. In theory, inclusive education means that children with special needs should learn alongside their peers in mainstream classrooms. However, in practice, this ideal is not always realized.
Many schools, despite stating their commitment to inclusive education, struggle with the necessary resources, training, and knowledge to truly support children with special needs. When the challenges of inclusion become too overwhelming, some schools are reluctant to accept children with disabilities.
Another issue is overcrowded classrooms, where children with disabilities are placed in the same room as up to 60 other students. This makes it incredibly difficult for teachers to offer the individualized attention that children with special needs require. Without proper support, these children often fall behind, miss out on important learning opportunities, and can feel isolated or neglected.
In order to make inclusive education a reality, significant investments must be made in teacher training, smaller class sizes, and accessible resources that allow all students, regardless of ability, to develop themselves in a safe environment. The promise of inclusive education is only meaningful when it's accompanied by tangible support and an environment that nurtures the growth of every child.
While we are beginning to see a positive movement toward inclusion, it's clear that there are still many steps to be taken. Progress is happening, but the reality is that inclusive education and the full integration of people with disabilities into society are still works in progress.
At our More Africa Centre, we are dedicated to making inclusive education a reality for every child, especially those with special needs. We understand the challenges faced by students with disabilities, which is why we focus on providing a nurturing, supportive environment tailored to their needs.
Our classrooms are intentionally kept small to ensure that each child receives the individual care and attention they deserve. This allows our teachers to work closely with every student, understanding their unique learning styles and providing personalized support to help them thrive. We believe that education should be about more than just academics — it’s about building confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
Our teachers are not only highly trained but also work with their hearts. They are passionate about creating an inclusive space where every child feels valued, respected, and capable of achieving their best. Through patience, empathy, and a commitment to understanding each child’s needs, our teachers foster an environment where students can grow, learn, and develop at their own pace.
At More Africa Centre, we are proud to be part of a movement toward greater inclusion, where every child is given the opportunity to succeed and be an active member of the community. With small classrooms, individual support, and a team that truly cares, we are creating a space where children with special needs can “bloom” and reach their full potential.
Limited employment opportunities
For (young) adults with disabilities, the situation is similarly challenging. Employment opportunities are basically nil, and people with special needs are often overlooked by employers. That’s why we are currently raising funds to open a vocational training center, a dedicated space where people with disabilities can grow, develop, and build the skills necessary for meaningful, paid employment. This center will provide specialized training in various fields such as soap making, tailoring and arts, equipping individuals with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to enter the workforce with confidence.
Steps toward change
Despite all these challenges, we are working very hard to promote inclusion and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. We focus on providing education, training, raising awareness, and empowerment to make Zanzibar a more inclusive place for everyone. However, much more needs to be done to break down the barriers of accessibility and social stigma that continue to limit the opportunities available to people with disabilities. We are very happy that this movement is slowly going into the right direction.
At our center, we are proud to contribute to this growing effort. By staying with us, you are directly supporting the work of our local NGO, dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. All donations made during your stay go directly to our programs, such as special education, medical help, vocational training, early detection and social inclusion activities for individuals with special needs.
Be part of the change
While enjoying the beauty of Zanzibar, we invite you to look beyond the white sandy beaches and explore the positive impact you can make in the community. By contributing to our NGO through your stay, you help fund vital programs that enables our unique talents with special needs to thrive and become active, engaged members of society.
Your support helps fund projects such as:
- Early detection: A proactive initiative designed to identify developmental delays, disabilities, or health conditions in young children as early as possible
- Inclusive education: Ensuring children with special needs have access to learning opportunities.
- Medical support: Involves specialized care and treatment from healthcare professionals to address their unique physical, developmental, and therapeutic needs, ensuring optimal growth and well-being.
- Vocational training: Helping young adults with disabilities develop skills that lead to employment and financial independence.
- Community support & awareness: Community-based programs provide opportunities for children with special needs to participate in fun and social activities, helping them build confidence and form friendships.
By staying with us, you are helping to create a future where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to live a fulfilling life and be fully included in society. Your holiday can have a lasting, positive impact on Zanzibar’s vibrant, yet underserved, community. Thank you for choosing to make a difference during your time on this beautiful island!
The path forward
While significant progress has been made, there are still challenges to fully achieving inclusion for children with special needs in Zanzibar. Many rural areas still lack the resources and infrastructure needed to provide adequate services for children with disabilities. Additionally, there is a need for more specialized training for teachers, caregivers, and the broader community to ensure that everyone understands how to provide the right support.
Despite these challenges, Zanzibar is steadily moving toward a more inclusive society where all children, including those with special needs, can grow, learn, and thrive. Through continued advocacy, education, and community collaboration, Zanzibar is becoming a place where children of all abilities are embraced and empowered.
