Since 2017, the Assalam Community Foundation (ACF) has been a vital presence in Zanzibar, Tanzania, colloborating closely with local communities to drive sustainable development. As a next-generation non-profit organization, ACF is dedicated to creating a self-sufficient Africa through innovative programs and initiatives. The name “Assalam” means PEACE, and this core value is reflected in the foundation’s program priorities: Permaculture, Education, Art, Community, and Empowerment. ACF’s mission is to empower communities in Zanzibar by promoting sustainability, education, and cultural enrichment, all while working towards a peaceful and self-reliant future for Africa.
PERMACULTURE
Experience Sustainable Living at Assalam Community Foundation's Permaculture Farm
ACF is an active Permaculture demonstration site and has been used to teach permaculture to international and local students in Assalam’s educational projects and to tourists in sustainable community tours. In our permaculture farm each class of Assalam International school has a veggie bed and raises their plantations, Africamps and Vocational Training Center has classes-apart from volunteers, who take part any time in garden independent from their responsibilities. It is at the forefront of Permaculture Design, displaying many permaculture principles, and produces an abundance of food and yields from within its living environment.
Some of our products are:
- Almost a hundred different types of vegetables, bushes, fruits, herbs and species, trees, bamboo and cactus species.
- Various bread and cakes with local flour
- Dairy products from cows and goats (Yogurt and Cheese)
- Assorted jams from local fruit combinations
EDUCATION
Assalam International School: Shaping the Future of Africa's Leaders
Assalam International School is the cornerstone of the Assalam campus, playing a pivotal role in all our projects. We are committed to providing a world-class education to carefully selected local students, nurturing the future scientists, managers, craftsmen, and artisans of Africa. Our school integrates natural and technological resources, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked book and toy libraries, and a highly qualified teaching staff dedicated to the psychological and intellectual development of each child.
Every student at Assalam International School benefits from the support of sponsors, ensuring access to top-quality education. As of 2024, our school has grown to 149 students, with a new class being added each year to accommodate our expanding community.
Assalam Children’s University: Empowering the Next Generation of African Innovators
Assalam Children’s University, founded by the Assalam Foundation four years ago, offers an alternative education system designed to nurture the talents and intelligence of African children. Our unique curriculum spans a wide range of subjects, including science, computers, coding, art, drama, language, and sports, providing a holistic approach to education. At Assalam Children’s University, students have the opportunity to explore both classical scientific methods and cutting-edge technology, such as 3D printing, to enhance their learning experience.
Our mission is to cultivate superior abilities in African children, preparing them for future success across various disciplines. Each year, approximately 50 children graduate from Assalam Children’s University, equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in an increasingly technological world.
Assalam Youth Center and AfriCamp: A Premier Camping Experience in Zanzibar
AfriCamp, a year-round camping program by Assalam, offers an unparalleled experience for youth in Zanzibar. Completed in June 2022, the Assalam Youth Center, with a capacity of 94, has become a vibrant hub where hundreds of campers from various age groups gather throughout the year. Participants receive comprehensive training in diverse areas, ranging from permaculture and survival techniques to vocational skills and human development.
In addition to education, campers immerse themselves in Zanzibar’s natural beauty, enjoying the turquoise sea, white sandy beaches, water sports, and the vibrant life of our ecological village. By 2022, over 500 children and youth have benefited from the enriching experiences offered at AfriCamp
Assalam Vocational Training Center: Empowering Future Generations Through Practical Education
Assalam Vocational School, established in 2022, is dedicated to providing hands-on training in agriculture and animal husbandry, carpentry, sewing and design, cookery, and tourism-hotel management. As of July 2024, the school has enrolled 43 students, with a focus on empowering orphaned mothers through sponsored education. The school plans to expand its offerings by adding three new classes in different vocational areas in 2023.
Our curriculum combines practical and theoretical training, ensuring that students are fully equipped for the workforce. After completing a one-year program, students gain valuable internship opportunities, with the goal of empowering them for future employment and self-sufficiency.
Assalam Mobile Library: Bringing Education and Enrichment to Zanzibar's Villages
For the past five years, Assalam Community Foundation has been dedicated to advancing educational projects in the Kizimkazi region of Zanzibar and, more recently, in 21 villages across the island. While expanding educational initiatives to wider communities can be challenging, the Assalam Mobile Library is set to change that. This innovative project will not only deliver books but also bring teachers, volunteers, and a variety of art, science, and sports activities to villages.
Starting with the 21 villages in the South region of Zanzibar, the Assalam Mobile Library will visit two villages each day, gradually reaching every village in Zanzibar over the next five years. This mobile library is a pivotal step in making education and enrichment accessible to all corners of Zanzibar.
Madrasa: Nurturing Faith and Good Character in Zanzibar
Madrasa is the oldest educational program in Zanzibar and the East Coast of Africa, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the region. In Zanzibar, it is a tradition for children to attend Madrasa, even before they begin formal secular education. When secular education was first introduced in Zanzibar, it started with a special program called Qur’an Class, which incorporated Madrasa teachings before children entered primary school. Today, schools in Zanzibar include a Madrasa program, allowing children to receive both secular and religious education.
Madrasa serves as a School of Good Behavior, teaching wisdom, morality, and the principles of leading a virtuous life. It guides children in understanding and practicing their faith, helping them grow into individuals who avoid evil and contribute positively to society.
ART
The Kanga Village: Preserving African Traditions Through Collaborative Art in Zanzibar
“The Kanga Village” is a vibrant cultural project dedicated to preserving African traditions by creating innovative Kanga designs inspired by the rich customs of Zanzibar. This initiative brought together hundreds of women, children, teachers, volunteers, and artists from ten different nations, including the Unguja and Pemba islands, to collaboratively design and create unique Kangas. The project’s success is also reflected in the beautifully painted walls of Mkunguni village, a testament to the community’s artistic spirit.
Thanks to this initiative, the villagers in Kizimkazi are now benefiting economically, earning income from tourists who visit “The Kanga Village.” We are deeply grateful to the TUI Care Foundation and Mussa Gallery for their invaluable support in making this cultural preservation project a success.
COMMUNITY
Humanitarian Aid
In 2023, Assalam, alongside more than 2000 volunteers and donors from around the world, made a significant humanitarian impact in Zanzibar. We distributed over 50,000 Euros in zakat to approximately 1,200 families, ensuring essential support for those in need. Throughout Ramadan, we organized iftar dinners in 18 villages, sharing meals with a total of 9,000 people and fostering community spirit. Additionally, we provided food packages to 2,250 families, addressing food insecurity during this holy month.
Our humanitarian efforts extended beyond Ramadan. We renovated 5 madrasas, constructed 2 new water wells, and initiated the building of 3 additional wells to ensure access to clean water. We supported education by gifting school bags with stationery to 1,410 children and donating 189 desks to local schools. Our efforts also extended to providing meals for 1,200 people, planting 500 saplings, providing canes to over 100 visually impaired individuals, and distributing sacrificial meat to 21,000 families. Furthermore, we provided clothing assistance to over 1,500 orphans, ensuring they are cared for and supported.
Volunteering with Assalam Community Foundation: Make a Difference in Zanzibar
At ACF, we welcome hundreds of volunteers from around the world each year, contributing to humanitarian aid, education, environmental, and social initiatives. As members of the Assalam family, each volunteer leaves a lasting leagacy—a comtribution, a memory, and a story. In 2023 alone, we hosted over 200 volunteers in our eco-village, adding to the 1,610 people we’ve welcomed over the past six years.
Volunteers not only contribute to Assalam’s mission but also engage in weekly activities designed to deepen their understanding of Africa and our foundation’s culture. These activities include first aid training, volleyball, marbling art, book reading sessions, fishing tournaments, and Swahili lessons. Each volunteer brings their unique skills to various fields, making meaningful contributions to our community while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar.
Assalam Youth Challenge: Empowering Young Innovators to Tackle Africa's Challenges
Every year, Assalam hosts the Assalam Youth Challenge, a week-long camp where young innovators from across Africa compete to develop creative solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges. Participants design projects based on that year’s theme, with the winning ideas being those that can be effectively implemented in Zanzibar.
Assalam sponsors all camp expenses for the winning project teams, including transportation, providing a unique opportunity for these young minds to collaborate. During the camp, participants engage in brainstorming sessions to refine their projects, ensuring they are sustainable at every stage—from financing to design. The Assalam Youth Challenge empowers Africa’s future leaders to make a tangible impact on their communities and beyond.
EMPOWERMENT
KangaAfrica: Empowering Women Through Social Enterprise in Zanzibar
KangaAfrica is Assalam’s pioneering social enterprise brand, dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and economic empowerment in Africa. By selling products crafted by orphaned mothers who receive sewing and design education, KangaAfrica fosters sustainable livelihoods for dozens of women. These high-quality products are available online for global customers, at CafeAfrica & Shops in the city center of Zanzibar, and at various contracted hotels across the region.
Assalam’s commitment to self-sufficiency through KangaAfrica serves as a model for a self-sustaining Africa. Under this brand, women are not only gaining financial independence but also contributing to a broader movement towards sustainable economic development.
Hamamni 1888: Reviving Zanzibar's Heritage Through Handmade Natural Soaps
In 2023, Assalam launched Hamamni 1888, a social venture inspired by the historic Hamamni baths, once the private bathing retreat of Zanzibar’s royal family. The name “Hamamni” means “the place of baths” in Swahili, and our brand is dedicated to providing genuine healing and beauty through meticulously crafted, handmade natural soaps. Drawing inspiration from Zanzibar’s rich traditions, spices, and the ocean, Hamamni soaps are a testament to the island’s wisdom and natural resources.
We have established a dedicated soap production area for Hamamni, generating income for Assalam through the sale of these unique products. In addition to production, we offer simple soap-making trainings at our vocational school and in local villages, empowering communities with skills while supporting our mission to produce, teach, and earn.
CafeAfrica & Shops: Supporting Zanzibar’s Social Development Through Ethical Shopping
CafeAfrica & Shops, operated by the Assalam Community Foundation, is more than just a retail space—it’s a hub for social impact in Zanzibar. These shops servet he local community by providing a platform for the sale of social entrepreneurial products created by Assalam’s initiatives. Every purchase made at CafeAfrica & Shops directly supports the sustainability of essential social development projects, including our vocational training center and school.
In addition to offering ethically produced goods, CafeAfrica & Shops also hosts workshops focused on art and culture, fostering creativity and cultural exchange within the community. By shopping with us, you contribute to meaningful projects that uplift and empower the people of Zanzibar.
Ecovilla: A Sustainable Eco-Village Experience in Zanzibar
Nestled on the breathtaking island of Zanzibar, where the Indian Ocean meets lush greenery, the Assalam campus spans 15,000 square meters of paradise. Ecovilla, part of this sustainable campus, is an eco-village designed for volunteers and guests seeking an immersive experience in sustainable living. The Assalam family prioritizes permaculture principles, ensuring that both nature and humanity are treated with respect and that resources are shared fairly.
Ecovilla offers accommodation for up to 120 people, generating income for Assalam’s projects by renting rooms to volunteers and visitors from around the world. The campus is equipped with a water well, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting systems, and it grows its own vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy products. Assalam’s Ecovilla is committed to achieving full independence, minimizing reliance on external resources while providing a unique and sustainable living experience.
Sustainable Community Tour: Experience Eco-Friendly Living in Zanzibar
At Assalam Community Foundation (ACF), we are committed to the development and promotion of sustainable tourism. One of our key initiatives is the Sustainable Community Tour, designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience of what a truly sustainable community looks like.
