Skills, Confidence, and Opportunity in Zanzibar
Across many communities in Zanzibar, women carry the responsibility of caring for their families while trying to earn a small income. Yet opportunities to learn professional skills are limited. Despite these challenges, the women we meet every day show incredible strength, creativity, and determination.
At Assalam, we believe that when women gain practical skills, they gain something even more powerful — confidence and independence.
Through our Vocational Training Centre and Women Empowerment Camps, women learn skills that can help them start small businesses, generate income, and build a more secure future for their families.
Your support helps open these doors.
Skills for Life – Vocational Training
At the Assalam Vocational Training Centre (VTC), people from disadvantaged backgrounds — including many women — receive practical training that can lead to real employment or small business opportunities.
For many students, this is the first time they have had access to structured vocational education.
Our courses focus on hands-on learning, guided by experienced trainers who support students throughout the programme.
Courses may include:
- Carpentry
- Welding
- Pottery
- Wood carving
- Permaculture and sustainable agriculture
- Tailoring and sewing
Each programme runs between 6 months and 1 year, and participants receive certification upon completion.
More importantly, they leave with skills they can use to earn a living and support their families. To reach those who need this opportunity most, Assalam works closely with local community leaders and authorities to identify participants from low-income households
Women Empowerment Camps
In addition to long-term training programmes, Assalam also organizes Women Empowerment Camps — intensive three-day workshops designed to help women discover practical income-generating skills. Each camp brings together 50 women from different communities.
For many participants, these camps are not only about learning a skill. They are also a place where women encourage one another, share experiences, and begin to see new possibilities for their future.
Many women arrive unsure of what they can achieve — and leave with new confidence, ideas, and motivation.
What Happens During the Camp?
Over three days, participants explore ideas that can realistically be implemented in their daily lives.
Day 1 – Learning and Inspiration
Women are introduced to simple income opportunities such as poultry farming, handmade crafts, or natural personal care products.
Day 2 – Hands-On Practice
Participants practice the skills themselves — building confidence through real experience.
Day 3 – Turning Skills into Income
The final day focuses on simple business knowledge such as pricing, packaging, and selling products locally.
By the end of the camp, women leave not only with new skills, but also with the belief that they can create opportunities for themselves.
What Your Donations Fund
Vocational Training Support
€100
per month
supports a student attending vocational training at the Assalam Vocational Training Centre during 6 monts to 1 years.
Women Empowerment Camp
€100
per person
to participate in a three-day empowerment camp. Camps are organized once full sponsorship for 50 women has been secured.
