Zanzibar has a mix of traditional and contemporary culture. As a popular tourism location, English and Hospitality Skills are highly valued. I had the opportunity to discuss Education with many people. The stories below represent a mix of on the job training provided by corporate NGO organisations, Vocational College Training, Informal , Apprentice and self-led education.
The most insightful discussion I had was with a young man expressing concern over the focus on passing on vocational skills from one generation to the next. He sees education as having a higher purpose of enabling people from all walks of life to understand what is happening in their country and be literate enough to be involved in decisions that will affect them and generations to come.
Hamad – On the job training through foreign NGO
As a young man, Hamad was recruited by a Belgium NGO in a major project to build hotels and schools. He first learned how to build strong foundations for buildings and prepare plumbing and as his skills progressed he expanding his building to include tiling and rendering. He was later invited to travel to Europe and was introduced to different building styles and higher standards. His story is very different to his parents who never had the opportunity to go to school and were illiterate. Hamad was part of the first generation to benefit from the first President Nyerere’s initiative to offer free primary education to all children in Tanzania.
Hassad and Abdul – VET Trained
The Jambiani Institute of Tourism has a strong reputation of graduates ready to excel in the workforce. The two men pictured here are nearly finished studying a Diploma in Training and Assessment. They are going to be employed training new staff required for a hotel in Kwenda, Zanzibar. This training is provided under Canadian Sponsorship. Hundreds of people have been through the training college over the last decade. Hassad has very good computer skills and is now passing these on to other people in Zanzibar.
Hidari – Informal / self-training
Hidari is a multi-talented Chef /Handyman / Housekeeper. Challenges in life and family prevented him from completing formal schooling, yet in the workplace he is appreciated for his constant commitment to quality and detail. He takes opportunity to learn new recipes from extended friends and family. When things in the hotel need repairing he tries to find a way and improves his technique through practice. He keeps the hotel clean and pays attention to small details to make guests feel welcome and safe. He is a very talented and much appreciated employee.
Alf – Formal Training
Alf went to a secondary school but did not receive the support he needed to pass the exams required to move on to completion. He moved from the mainland to Zanzibar to find work in the Tourism Industry on Zanzibar Islands. Through vocational education he found a second chance at life. He studied English at African Impact, an NGO mainly staffed by international volunteers. He was then ready to study at the Jambiani Institute of Tourism. He is now employed by a European family who are building a hotel and bar. He hopes to be a manager of a large hotel someday.