Seven Years Later: “Büyük Konuşmayacaksın!” – Assalam’s Journey in Zanzibar
What began as a three-day visit to Zanzibar became a life-changing seven-year journey for Dr. Hatice Çolak Ali. Recalling advice she received early on, “Büyük konuşmayacaksın!” (“Don’t make big promises”), she has built Assalam, a thriving eco-village dedicated to peace, sustainability, and community development.
Assalam’s Mission: Peace, Sustainability, and Community
Assalam’s programs focus on PEACE: Permaculture, Education, Art, Community, and Social Entrepreneurship. Each pillar supports a network of social enterprises that empower local communities:
- Permaculture: Sustainable farming and eco-projects.
- Education: Eco-school with Waldorf-inspired learning for 170 children.
- Art: Creative programs in crafts, drama, and storytelling.
- Community: Supporting local women and families.
- Social Entrepreneurship: Income-generating initiatives that sustain Assalam.
Social Enterprises That Empower
Assalam’s social enterprises create meaningful opportunities for the local community while supporting the village’s sustainability:
- Karibu Assalam – Experience eco-tourism, volunteer programs, and sustainable accommodations designed to immerse visitors in Assalam’s community life.
- Kanga Africa – Empowers women by teaching sewing, microfinance, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to earn income locally and expand their businesses internationally.
- Hamamni1888 – Produces natural, spice-infused soaps while providing women with skills in hygiene, production, and sustainable business practices.
From Vision to Reality: Education and Sustainability at Assalam
“Sistemi bağışa bağımlı kalarak değil, üretim yapıp satarak kazanma üzerine inşa ediyoruz,” explains Dr. Ali—Assalam is built to be self-sustaining, not dependent on donations.
Education is central: 170 children attend Assalam’s eco-school, blending Waldorf-inspired learning with arts, crafts, storytelling, and permaculture. Volunteers and international partnerships, including SOAS London, help refine and share the model globally.
From a single visit to a flourishing community, Assalam shows the power of resilience, vision, and peace: “Assalam barış demek, huzur demek.”
For more about Dr. Hatice Çolak Ali’s story and reflections, read the original article in Independent Türkçe: 7 yılın itirafı: Büyük konuşmayacaksın!
